MENOMINEE — A former Menominee County deputy facing two counts of criminal sexual conduct has waived his arraignment in Menominee County District Court.

Earlier this month, Menominee County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey T. Rogg charged Brian William Helfert, 56, of 1116 17th Ave., Menominee, with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage boy. Helfert knew the victim through his assignment as a Menominee County juvenile crime investigator and school resource officer.

Helfert has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual conduct – third degree (multiple variables), a 15-year felony and a tier III offense under the Sex Offender Registration Act.

According to the criminal complaint, the alleged sexual assault took place in November.

Helfert’s attorney, Trent Stupak of Escanaba, filed a waiver of arraignment, which means Helfert did not have to personally appear in court today.

The preliminary examination is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

The Menominee Police Department had been investigating Helfert with the help of the Michigan State Police after receiving information from the Michigan Child Protective Services regarding the allegations in November.

Helfert was fired from the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department in December following an investigation for violations to the sheriff’s office policies, procedures and rules of conduct.

Rogg will be personally handling the case and is not seeking a special prosecutor.

Helfert has posted a $5,000 cash bond.