Closing arguments wrapped up yesterday in the criminal sexual conduct second degree trial for former Menominee County Sheriff’s deputy Brian Helfert. 60-year-old Helfert’s duties included working in county schools. He faces a single charge of criminal sexual conduct – second degree with a weapon. He is accused of sexual conduct with a high school boy. Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Rogg says, “it has been proven by the evidence that he is, just what I told you in the beginning of this case, a predator, an abuser.”

Defense Attorney Trenton Stupak says, “it’s a high standard of proof, because the life, liberty, of someone who is accused of a crime is at stake.”

The 12-person jury in the Brian Helfert criminal sexual trial deliberated for over an hour and a half last evening before requesting a break for the night. The jury will resume deliberations at 9am today at the Menominee County Courthouse.