MENOMINEE — A former Menominee County Sheriff’s Department deputy has been charged with additional counts of criminal sexual conduct, according to Menominee County Prosecutor Jeffrey Rogg.

Brian William Helfert, 57, of Menominee, was arraigned 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. Rogg charged Helfert with a total of 18 felonies, including eight life offenses, 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 a number of incidents alleged to have occurred from 2003 to 2018. The facts filed with the court in support of the felony complaint allege a serial history of sexual assault and abuse of the victims at the hands of Helfert. The male victims reported to police that they felt compelled to come forward at this time when they were subpoenaed as witnesses in an ongoing prosecution of Helfert in the 41st Circuit Court.

During his employment as a deputy, Helfert was assigned to Menominee schools as a school liaison officer.

Rogg invited other potential victims to come forward, saying that “every allegation against Mr. Helfert will be fully investigated by the Menominee Police Department and can still be prosecuted by me.” Helfert has retained attorney Trenton M. Stupak, of Escanaba, to represent him. Judge Jamo scheduled a probable cause conference (“PCC”), in each of the cases for February 22 at 11:30 a.m. The preliminary examination for each case will be scheduled by the court after each probable case hearing.

Judge Jamo denied pretrial release for Helfert.