PHOENIX — This series discusses sexual assault, trafficking and suicide. Please read and watch with care.
Is Helen Simmons a suspect, victim or both?
Helen couldn’t wait to get to Arizona. She’d been accepted at ASU’s journalism school and she had dreams of being a photojournalist. Coming from a rough childhood and a small town in New England, she was eager to start her new life. So eager, that she started swiping on a dating app before she even landed in Phoenix. It was an effort to try and meet new people in the new place she was about to call home. But Helen Simmons swiped wrong.
Less than three weeks after she arrived in Phoenix, she was in jail. She’d been arrested and charged in a jewelry store robbery with a guy she’d just met online. A guy Helen said forced her into the crime. A guy that Helen said made her do some horrible things. A guy that Helen said she couldn’t escape.
In the robbery case, Helen Simmons is a suspect. But is she also a victim of domestic violence and sex trafficking? The 12News I-Team spent more than a year trying to answer that question.
He Made Me Do It is an I-Team series that uncovers where things went horribly wrong for Helen Simmons. We look at whether someone can be both a suspect and a victim and whether someone could be forced to commit a crime. We investigate if allegations of abuse were ignored and if anyone could have helped Helen before or after meeting a guy with a history of hurting women. We also follow Helen through the criminal justice system as she faces serious prison time.
You can watch He Made Me Do It on 12News+. Part 1: The Jewelry Store will drop exclusively on 12News+ starting on August 8, 2024. Part 1 will be released on all other 12News platforms on August 9, 2024. New episodes are scheduled to come out weekly.
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The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona.
I-Team
Learn more about other 12News investigations by subscribing to the 12News YouTube channel and watching our I-Team playlist.
Resources to keep yourself and others safe
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call or text 911.
Human Trafficking Tip Line in Arizona: Call 1-877-4AZ-TIPS
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988
Operates 24 hours a day
Online chat option on website
National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888
Operates 24 hours a day
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788
Operates 24 hours a day
Online Chat option on website
If you are concerned your Internet history is being monitored, call 800-799-SAFE
National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673
Strong Hearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483
Operates 24 hours a day
Online chat option on website
Dating Abuse/Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 or Text LOVEIS to 22522
Operates 24 hours a day
If you are concerned your Internet history is being monitored, you can call 1-866-331-9474
Online chat option on website
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence: Call 206-279-2980 or 800-782-6400
Hours are Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 8:30 - 5; Tues 8:30-7
You can call, text, email or chat online
Email is helpline@acesdv.org
Sex Trafficking resources in Arizona
Provides list of services by County and Service Type
Contact STIR online
Phoenix Dream Center: Call 602-346-8716
Provides resources for survivors of human trafficking
Also provides resources for food assistance; housing; addiction
Solari Crisis Response Network: Call 1-800-203-CARE
24-hours a day crisis lines for those experiencing a mental health crisis
Solari operates in Arizona and Oklahoma
211 Arizona Referral Service
Eligibility and Care Services
Homeless Management Information Services
24-hours a day services for individuals affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, or hate crimes
Sexual assault hotline: 480-736-4949 or 866-205-5229
LGBTIQ: 480-736-4925
EMPACT 24-hour Crisis Hotline 480-784-1500 or 855-785-1500
UMOM New Day Centers: Call 602-275-7852
Homeless services for families
Contact 211 to be connected with homeless services
211 Arizona: Call 211
Referral Service
Operates 24-hours a day
Information on victim resources, training, hotlines and national programs