Helm: I fell in love with 11-year-old

By BOB WHITE

bwhite@thenewsenteprise.com

ELIZABETHTOWN — William “Bill” Roy Helm told jurors Thursday morning he fell in love with an 11-year-old girl in 2001, and her younger sister the following year, but his adoration of the children did not overshadow admissions of having sex with both children.

“She loved me a nine and I loved her an eight,” 40-year-old Helm said. “I had to leave some room for jealousy.”

Helm Thursday said in testimony that he “loved” and had “a relationship” with both children.

The trial was expected to conclude Thursday, but arguments were delayed because of some discussion among attorneys and Judge Janet Coleman on Helm’s religious beliefs. Jurors were not in the courtroom for that discussion.

Sex with girls under the age of 12 is considered rape in Kentucky and is punishable by up to 20 years for each count. Helm faces eight counts of rape, four counts of sodomy and one count of sexual abuse.

The alleged victims’ older brother told The News-Enterprise that Helm took advantage of the girls’ situation because of their home life which made access to the children simple. He said the mother sometimes pushed him away from the family to accommodate Helm’s relationship with the girls and herself.

“I thought his heart was in the right place,” the brother said. “It got by me. That kills me. He shattered their innocence.”

Victims Advocate Robin Farris described Helm as a poster-child for pedophilia, since he seemed to believe it was acceptable to have an intimate relationship with a child.

Helm testified that he allowed one child to drive on post at Fort Knox while sitting on his lap, allowed her to operate a motorcycle solo and smoke in his basement.

“I shouldn’t have let her smoke either,” Helm said. The victims’ brother said Helm’s wild testimony was an act.

“He’s sick, he’s not stupid,” the brother said.

Many listening to the case were astonished by Helm’s testimony, grinning, shaking heads and poking fun at him in disbelief throughout the trial.

Bob White can be reached at (270) 505-1750.