Montrose - Daily Press

MONTROSE — Nulca High's science teacher is facing criminal charges over pornography allegations.

Thomas Helmbrecht, 50, pleaded in Montrose court this afternoon for a lower bond so that he could take care of his children. Deputy District Attorney Sherri Price sought a higher bond than the $30,000 Helmbrecht had been booked into jail on last night.

He is suspected of sexual exploitation of children-possesing sexually exploitative material.

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"The defendant admitted to ongoing possession of use of (sexually exploitative material) for five years," Price said, and referred to numerous explicit photos investigators reportedly found in Helmbrecht's home.

She said there were also four computers, which still need to be examined.

"He is a school teacher and a football coach," Price said.

Helmbrecht said he's taught in science in Nucla for about three years and had been "very, very cooperative" with investigators. He said the $75,000 bond Price wanted was inappropriate.

In the end, neither party got exactly what they'd sought. Judge John Mitchel said bail at $10,000, with explicit conditions concerning contact with children and a requirement that Helmbrecht see a clinical psychologist.

Formal charges are due by noon Sept. 9. His next court appearance is Sept. 10.

For the full story, see Friday's Daily Press.

* Original online report follows below*

NATURITA — A West End man was arrested and jailed last night on suspicion of sexual exploitation of a child.

Thomas Helmbrecht, 50, was arrested after a search warrant was served at his residence, the Montrose County Sheriff's Office said.

Officials there declined to release any more information. Helmbrecht did not yet have a file in the Montrose Combined Courts; according to jail records, he was held on a $30,000 bond.

According to blotter information, citizens came to the sheriff's office and turned in what appeared to be child pornography on Aug. 31. Sheriff's spokeswoman Bobbie McCoid did not say whether this material was part of the Helmbrecht case.

Comments

Newschick wrote on Sep 8, 2009 1:05 PM:

" I know that he is innocent until proven guilty, I am wondering though, is this the same father who begged to see his daughters claiming he would "NEVER" hurt them? If yes and he is guilty does he realize that his actions alone have already hurt his daughters? Why does anyone with children think this kind of material is ok? . A parents natural instinct should be to protect all children! Not just the ones you know and love! "




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Loran taylor wrote on Sep 5, 2009 7:51 PM:

" you know you are back woods when a reporter from the next biggest town cant spell the town's name right. But I have to agree that it is a problem all over. A real shame when you find them in the teaching profession. "




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triumph110 wrote on Sep 4, 2009 8:46 AM:

" This is happening all over the country. Go to schoolteachernews.com and click on the Scandal page. This year they have documented over 325 of these types of incidents. In 2008 they found 478 of these kinds of cases. "




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