Rogers County Commissioner Accused Of Embezzlement 'Innocent Until Proven Guilty'

A Rogers County Commissioner remains in office despite being indicted on two counts of embezzlement. It's the second time Mike Helm has been indicted in two months.

Friday afternoon, the commissioner turned himself into the Rogers County Sheriff's Office and bonded out of jail shortly after.

8/28/2015 Related Story: Rogers County Commissioner Surrenders On New Indictments

Allison: “Did you embezzle from the county?"
Helm: "You can contact my attorney."

We did contact Helm's attorney, Stan Monroe, but have not heard back.

Helm's indictment accuses him of removing the bed of a county pickup truck and selling both the bed and truck to a private citizen in May of last year for more than $1,500.

The grand jury investigating Helm, the result of a citizen petition, has also asked a judge to remove Helm from office.

Allison: "Do you think you should lose your position as a Rogers County commissioner?"
Helm: "I'm elected by the people."

Associate District Judge Sheila Condren will decide next Friday whether to suspend Helm's duties as county commissioner.

According to the District Attorney's Office, Helm will have a trial to make the final decision on if he should be ousted.

Allison: "The judge can decide to suspend you. Do you think that he or she will?"
Helm: "There's always the concept that we have here in the United States that you're innocent until proven guilty."

The grand jury also indicted Helm last month for conspiracy and embezzlement exceeding $1,000.

That indictment accuses him of contracting highway improvements without using the public bidding process, and selling county scrap metal, but keeping the cash for himself.

After that indictment, Helm said he would not resign.

Helm stated, "I'll give you reference to my attorney. The court of law allows me a day in court. I'm innocent until proven guilty.”