Yoakum County District Attorney

07/31/2024

07/21/2024

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05/24/2024

“The Fourth Quarter”
Retirement as Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney

The past year of 2023 was a rewarding and exciting year for me. It was never expected nor anticipated I would be elected “Chairman of the Board” for the Texas District and County Attorneys Association, be appointed by the Presiding Judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals to the Texas State Judicial Advisory Committee for Probation Supervision (JAC) and recently receive a one year “Fellowship Appointment” by the College of Education at West Texas A&M University and be designated as a “West Texas Rural Leader.” All of this was in addition to being able to represent my Yoakum County friends, neighbors, associates, and citizens as Criminal District Attorney. I have been profoundly humbled and blessed by these events.

Notwithstanding such an eventful and fulfilling 2023, I became more aware of and “in-tune” with the phrase from Ecclesiastes: “To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose.” As this “feeling” began re-occurring in early 2024, it seemed like the above events and other situations continued to suggest “The time has come” to act and move to the “Fourth Quarter” of life with a change to seek new challenges both professionally and personally. Friends, family, and circumstances seemed to beckon (Debi and I) to return to the Concho Valley and San Angelo region.

After careful thought, contemplation, and prayer, we have acted on this calling. In February of this year, we purchased a home in San Angelo. We are making it ready for our return to the area and the beginning of our “Fourth Quarter” in January-February of 2025.

With the above being said, I am today announcing that I will notify Governor Greg Abbott’s Office of my intent to resign the position of Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney and retire from that position in January/February of 2025.

As the date approaches, there will be more information.

Bill Helwig
Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney

02/09/2024

TO: Citizens and Voters of Yoakum County
From: Bill Helwig, Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney

Subject: Candidate Endorsement

“It is time for a CHANGE!”

On a weekly basis, I am asked about my recommendation, support and/or choice between the four candidates for the position of “Yoakum County Sheriff.” Thus far, I have made no public comment. Now, that will change.

First, the political race determines who best fits the position, has the talent and/or tools and whose “vision” and “goals” will best serve our County. It is a “job interview, not a contest for a class favorite or class president.” All four candidates are good and decent people. However, the election of the “Sheriff” should be based not on “who I like” but rather on the professional work ethic, talent, experience and moral leadership to provide every citizen of the County with the assurance of effective criminal law enforcement, public safety, protection of property, effective management of the Jail facility along with effective cooperation, collaboration and interaction with all agencies and members the Yoakum County criminal justice system.

By virtue of your vote, the Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney’s office and I occupy gives me a unique “vantage point” to observe and evaluate all four candidates. For 39 of my 44 years as a practicing attorney, I have been involved in the criminal justice system as either a defense attorney or prosecutor. Twenty-six years of that total has been as “County Attorney” or “District Attorney,” with the last 13 years in Yoakum County. Over the years, in Coke County (Robert Lee & Bronte) and Yoakum County, I have had professional interactions with five different “elected” county sheriffs and numerous interactions with Texas Rangers, DPS Troopers, etc. From these experiences, I have evaluated the candidates and made my recommendation and endorsement.

Having said the above, I believe only one candidate fully embodies and exemplifies the professional requirements to be the next Sheriff of Yoakum County. I ask that you join me in declaring, “It is time for a CHANGE.” I endorse and recommend, without hesitation or equivocation, the following, to wit:

“VOTE KENNY TYSON FOR SHERIFF!!”

Please join in declaring, “It is time for a CHANGE!” Make your voice heard!

Bill Helwig
Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney

01/21/2024

Yoakum County voters:

As we move toward the early voting of February and primary voting day in March, I would encourage you to consider the candidacy of Lt. Kenneth Tyson for the elected office of Sheriff of Yoakum County.

He has published his “contract with Voters of Yoakum County“ and below, sets forth the principles by which he views your importance as to this office and the manner, and means by which he will serve you.

I encourage you to “take a look” and consider casting your vote for him at either early voting, or the March election day.

“It is time for a change!”

Bill Helwig
Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney 

01/19/2024

Some important points to ponder and things to consider when casting your vote for sheriff of Yoakum County!

With this “Bill of Rights” along with his commitment to the “Contract with the Voters” of Yoakum County” You have an insite into the passion, commitment and dedication of this law enforcement professional

I would suggest his candidacy deserves a serious look, and your vote!

He has mine!

Bill Helwig
Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney

01/13/2024

To the voters of Yoakum County:

I urge you to “cast a glance“ at the passion, priorities, and commitment that ONLY this candidate will bring to the department that he leads. There will be no diversions, invisibility or misplaced priorities, but rather leadership, dedication and undeniable focus in protecting the people and property of our County.

It is time for a change! Make your vote a voice for new visible leadership, not the status quo!

I urge you to elect Lt. Kenneth Tyson as the next Sheriff of Yoakum county!

Bill Helwig
Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney

12/22/2023

Lt. Kenneth Tyson to Regional Criminal Justice Committee

Lt. Kenneth “Kenny” Tyson has been nominated by the Yoakum County Judge and confirmed by the SPAG Board to serve on the South Plains Association of Government (SPAG) Criminal Justice Advisory Committee (CJAC). He will be meeting, from time to time, with other regional leaders to focus on common criminal justice issues of administration and funding within the SPAG county jurisdiction.

For the past three years, Lt. Tyson has worked as the Criminal Investigator for the Yoakum County Criminal District Attorney. Prior to his current assignment, Tyson was a Deputy Sheriff for Yoakum County. He began his law enforcement career in Terrell County (far west Texas-Sanderson, TX), where he served as a Deputy Sheriff and interacted with Homeland Security, Border Patrol and DPS regarding HWY 90 drug interdiction patrols.

During the forthcoming year, Tyson will collaborate as a CJAC Committee member in reviewing and considering “Grant” policies and funding. He will judge the various grant applications by various counties, cities, and agencies (abstaining from Yoakum CJAC applications voting) for “Governors Office” grants and programs. His committee will review and consider numerous applications for the $2,000,000 and $4,000,000 annually awarded by the SPAG CJAC Committee.

“The interaction and exposure to the challenges and operations of other law enforcement agencies (County & City) within our geographic region is invaluable.” By this opportunity, Kenny will be able to bring innovative and successful programs to Yoakum County if it appears such would increase efficiency and success in law enforcement and prosecution. This is a win-win for all concerned,” commented Yoakum County DA Bill Helwig, former CJAC Chairman and four-year member.

10/10/2023

Important Public Meeting/Hearing!

TODAY!
Oct. 10, 2023--Tuesday

5:00 p.m. Yoakum County Courtroom Yoakum County Courthouse, Plains, Tx

Public comments are invited and sought regarding the creation of a "countywide" Emergency Services District (ESD) for providing Fire and Ambulance to the entirety of Yoakum County. The new District would be governed and managed by a "Board of Directors" and would have limited taxing authority to fund operations and purchases of the district.

The Public is invited and solicited to appear and present comments to the Commissioners Court regarding this proposal and its feasibility. The Public may appear for the public hearing and sign-up to make comments in favor of or in opposition to the petition for the creation of Yoakum County Emergency Services District No. 1.

10/04/2023

Yoakum County DA Leads State Prosecutor Organization

Local Criminal District Attorney Bill Helwig has been elected to and is currently serving as “President” of the Texas District and County Attorney Association “President”. On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Helwig presided over the opening session of the “Annual Criminal and Civil Law Update/Seminar”. Attending the annual conference and opening session where in excess of 1000 Texas prosecutors, investigators, victim assistance coordinators and key personnel staff members from all County and District offices across the State. The yearly Texas event is the largest gathering of criminal prosecutor office personnel in the United States.

In opening remarks, the Yoakum Co. Criminal District Attorney encouraged one and all to focus on the educational and networking events of the four-day conference and strive to develop an effective prosecutorial network of contacts across the State. Helwig reminded all attendees of the duty of prosecutorial offices to “seek justice” in doing the work of prosecuting those who break the law and striving to protect the people and property of our state on a local basis.

District Attorney Helwig has served as a local prosecutor for a combined total of 26 years as County Attorney in Coke County and Criminal District Attorney in Yoakum Co. He has served 3 complete terms in Yoakum Co. and is in the first year of his 4th term, headquartered in Plains, Texas. For the last 5 years, he has been a member of the Board of Directors for the prosecutor organization and has provided leadership on nomination committees, legislative committees, long-range planning projects and bylaw review committees. District Attorney Helwig is also on the “Advisory Board” for the SMU University “Rural Justice” project.

Also attending the annual instructional and educational conference, along with DA Helwig, were members of the Yoakum Co. Criminal District Attorney’s office. Each participated in legislative update conferences, educational programs, case study scenario sessions and informational lectures. Office personnel included: Nicole Villegas-Sr. Trial Specialist and Misdemeanor Coordinator; Jane Gonzales-Trial Specialist and Felony Coordinator; Lt. Kenny Tyson-DA Investigator and Regina Cervantez-Case Intake Specialist and Victim Assistance Coordinator. Each person attended approximately 12 hours of training and instruction.

06/16/2022

Last Meeting of “January Grand Jury”

Gathering at the Yoakum County Courthouse for the 5th time during the six-month term, the sitting Grand Jury returned five new indictments against five Defendants. This group of charges increased the total indictments to twenty-five during the six-month term.

Defendants charged by felony indictment on Monday were as follows, to wit: Juan Zubia Rios Jr-Burglary of a Habitation; Richardo Orlando Hernandez—Assualt Family Violence, Impeding Breath; Michael Levi Davis—Assualt Family Violence, Impeding Breath; Madyson Jeri Lea Isbell---Bail Jumping/Failure to Appear and Jeremy Anatoly Ingraham-Forgery. Upon filing these indictments, new “Arrest Warrants” will be issued and served.

During the “January Term,” Grand Jury returned indictments on the following crimes, to wit: Felony DWI 3rd or More—(1); Assualt Family Violence—(2); Possession Controlled Substance (7); Bail Jumping/Failure to Appear—(2); Forgery—(2); Evading Arrest –(9); Burglary of Habitation—(2); Stalking—(1); Theft—(2); Registered S*x Offender-Failure to comply to Regulation Requirements—(1) and Felon in possession Of firearm—(1).

In addition to the above indictments, the Grand Jury directed and delivered to local law enforcement agencies a letter commending them for their efforts and encouraging focus on drug and narcotic interdiction matters. As one Grand Juror commented upon being discharged, “this was an educational and “eye-opening” experience where the professionalism of the local law enforcement was obvious and it was enlightening to see “what goes on” in our community.”

Handling administrative matters for the Grand Jury were District Clerk Sandra Roblez and staff. District Attorney Bill Helwig and staff presented the cases to the Grand Jury.

Barring unexpected circumstances, this group will disband and a new Grand Jury will be seated on July 8th.