Brian Willam Helfert, 57, of Menominee, was arraigned yesterday before the Honorable
Robert J. Jamo in the 95-A District Court, Menominee following his recent arrest on
criminal complaints in four separate cases involving three different victims. Menominee
County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey Rogg charged Helfert with 18 felonies, including
eight life sentences, including child sexually abusive activity, criminal sexual conduct–
first degree, criminal sexual conduct–second degree, criminal sexual conduct–third
degree, and assault with intent to commit penetration. The charges arise from several
incidents alleged to have occurred from 2003 to 2018. The male victims reported to
police that they felt compelled to come forward when they were subpoenaed as witnesses
in an ongoing prosecution of Helfert in the 41st Circuit Court. Helfert has retained
attorney Trenton Stupak of Escanaba to represent him. Judge Jamo denied the pretrial
release of Helfert, based on a Michigan Court rule applicable to Criminal Sexual
Conduct–First Degree, charges. Judge Jamo schedule a Probable Cause Conference, in
each of the cases for February 22nd at 11:30am.