In an exclusive interview with Radio Results Network News Director Melissa Ebsch, Menominee County Prosecutor Jeffrey T. Rogg says a Michigan Court of Appeals decision upholding former Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Helfert’s prison sentence brings long-awaited closure to victims and the community.

Helfert was convicted of sexually abusing a student while serving as a school resource officer. Prosecutors say the Appeals Court affirmed the trial court’s decision to impose a prison sentence above Michigan’s recommended sentencing guidelines after finding the severity and repeated nature of Helfert’s crimes warranted a longer sentence.

Rogg says Michigan’s sentencing guidelines are designed to promote consistency, but judges may impose longer sentences when circumstances justify it. In Helfert’s case, the trial court determined the guidelines did not adequately reflect years of abuse or Helfert’s use of his position of authority to groom victims.

The Appeals Court agreed, ruling Helfert repeatedly used his status as a police officer assigned to a school to groom and manipulate students before sexually abusing them. The court concluded the sentence was proportional to both the crimes and the offender.

Rogg says while Helfert could ask the Michigan Supreme Court to review the case, he believes the chances of the appeal moving forward are extremely unlikely. He says the real credit belongs to the victims whose courage to come forward made the prosecution possible.

FULL STORY