Steven Helm arrested for sex abuse of a 10 year old child

MCSO Press Release:

On 04-21-2022 the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office was made aware of an allegation of oral copulation of a child who was reported to be (10) ten years-old.

Mendocino County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a residence in the 30000 block of Simpson Lane (Fort Bragg, California) and met with Steven Hyrum Helm and a witness to the incident.

Based on the disclosure provided by the witness, Mendocino County Sheriff's Office Detectives were contacted and responded to further investigate the allegation.

On 04-22-2022, following multiple interviews, probable cause was established which identified Helm as the person responsible for the alleged abuse.  Helm was believed to have continuous access to the child who was known to him.

At about 3:20 AM, Helm was placed under arrest and transported to the Mendocino County Jail. Helm was arrested for 288.7 (b) PC (Oral copulation of a child under 10 years-old) and 288.5 PC (Continuous sexual abuse of child under 14 years-old).

Helm was booked into the Mendocino County Jail where he was to be held in lieu of $200,000 bail.

MCSO Press Release (5/1/22):

On May 1, 2022 at about 5:09 AM, Corrections Deputies were performing routine rounds checking on the welfare of detainees.  When they checked on Steven Helm, 75 of Fort Bragg, he appeared to be unconscious.  Staff entered the cell, confirmed that Helm was unconscious and checked for a pulse.  Finding none, staff immediately began life saving measures including CPR.  Jail medical staff was summoned immediately and lifesaving efforts continued.

Emergency medical services were summoned to the jail. Personnel from Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and Medstar Ambulance Service arrived and took over care.  

Despite the efforts of everyone involved, Mr. Helm was pronounced dead at 5:40 AM.

Per policy, Detectives from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office were summoned and initiated an investigation into the cause and manner of death. 

Mr. Helm has been in custody since April 22, 2022 and was housed in a single cell by himself per classification and COVID-19 quarantine procedures.  In the hours preceding his death there were no interactions with other inmates per classification and COVID-19 quarantine policies.