Sexual predator on parole faces charge in theft

His parole sanctions could be made stricter.

By PATRICIA MEADE

VINDICATOR CRIME REPORTER

YOUNGSTOWN — A registered sexual predator on parole is now accused of stealing $7 worth of feminine hygiene products.

Ronnie L. Helms, 35, of Himrod Avenue is being held in the Mahoning County jail in lieu of $100,000 bond. His preliminary hearing in municipal court on a robbery charge is set for Wednesday.

Helms is accused of placing feminine deodorant spray and a box of tampons inside his jacket at Family Dollar on Garland Avenue and trying to run out Oct. 30. Reports show he kicked and shattered the front door window in an effort to escape.

Police said he tried to push the door open but it swings in, not out.

The store manager and a security guard were able to subdue Helms, take him to an office in the back of the store and handcuff him to a large metal rack.

When Patrolmen Aaron Coleman and Melvin Johnson arrived, Helms told them he was sorry for taking the products, saying his wife needed them.

The officers quoted Helms as saying, “Please don’t arrest me,” and explained that he is on parole for kidnapping.

In June 1993, Helms kidnapped and raped a 16-year-old Youngstown girl and used a gun in the crime. A jury found him guilty and he was sentenced to five to 25 years for the kidnapping and rape and three years for the firearm specification.

Had he not been paroled in December 2006, his prison release would have been in 2021.

Jeff Ervin, Ohio Adult Parole Authority parole services supervisor, said a parole hold would be placed on Helms at the jail. Depending on the seriousness of the crime now alleged, Helms could remain in the community with stricter parole sanctions, see his parole extended or be brought before the parole board.

Ervin said Helms can be kept under APA supervision until 2021, the end of his original sentence. “He owes Ohio that time unless he earns final release.”

meade@vindy.com