Tarrant Co. jury sentences former sheriff’s deputy to 30 years prison for impregnating teen relative

[TexasTowelie]

FORT WORTH — A Tarrant County jury sentenced a former Tarrant County deputy sheriff to 30 years in prison for impregnating his 16-year-old relative.

Johnathan Lewis Helm, 41, was convicted Wednesday on one count of sexual assault of a child under 17 and one count of prohibited sexual conduct, according to a news release from the Tarrant County district attorney’s office.

State District Judge Mike Thomas granted prosecutors Mark Thielman and Kevin Boneberg’s request that the two sentences be served consecutively. Helm must serve 10 years in prison before becoming eligible for parole.

“Johnathan Helm was a warrant officer whose sworn duty was to arrest felons,” Thielman stated according to the release. “He was, meanwhile, engaging in the same criminal behavior. This was an outrageous breach of the law and professional conduct.”

More at http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/01/16/5491658/jury-sentences-former-sheriffs.html#my-headlines-default?rh=1 .

[font color=green]In the article it also indicates that Helm fathered a child with another minor. It appears that the streets of Fort Worth are a bit safer tonight.[/font]

[libodem]

1. Good

That seems very appropriate. Hope it discourages perpetrators and gives that young girl some feeling of protection and justice.

[TxDemChem]

2. 10 years doesn't seem long enough to be up for parole,

but I am glad he is off the streets and will have to register as a sex offender when he does get out.