12News I-Team Docuseries ‘He Made Me Do It’ Explodes onto Screens Aug. 8

Is a suspect in an Arizona jewelry store robbery also a victim of sex trafficking? The 12News I-Team spent more than a year investigating this perplexing case.

PHOENIX — This series discusses sexual assault, trafficking, and suicide. Please read and watch with care.

Is Helen Simmons a suspect, victim, or both?

Helen Simmons’ journey to Arizona started with high hopes and aspirations. She had been accepted at ASU’s journalism school and dreamed of becoming a photojournalist. Eager to leave behind her challenging past in New England, she began using a dating app to meet new people even before she landed in Phoenix. But she swiped wrong.

Less than three weeks after her arrival, Helen found herself behind bars. She was arrested and charged in a jewelry store robbery involving a man she met online. Helen claimed the man forced her into the crime, subjected her to horrific experiences, and ensnared her in a life 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? This is the complex question the 12News I-Team sought to answer over a year-long investigation.

The series “He Made Me Do It” by the I-Team delves into where Helen Simmons’ life took a dark turn. It examines the possibility of someone being both a suspect and a victim, and whether abuse allegations were overlooked. The investigation explores if any intervention could have altered her path before or after meeting a man notorious for harming women. The series also tracks Helen through the justice system as she faces significant prison time.

You can watch “He Made Me Do It” on 12News+. Part 1: The Jewelry Store will premiere exclusively on 12News+ on August 8, 2024, and on other 12News platforms the following day. New episodes will be released weekly.

12News+ provides the latest breaking news and weather updates, daily talk shows, sports coverage from Locked On, fact-checking from VERIFY, and trending stories from Daily Blast Live.

You can access 12News+ on Roku Players, Amazon Fire TV, Android devices, and Apple products.

Watch 12News+ for free

The free app from 12News lets users stream live events, including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News”, as well as the lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”. Available on Roku and Amazon Fire TV.

12News+ showcases live video for breaking news, local updates, weather, and even moments of Zen featuring Arizona’s scenic beauty. On-demand videos of top stories, local politics, and I-Team investigations are also available.

Roku: Add “12 News KPNX” from the Roku store.

Amazon Fire TV: Search “12 News KPNX” to find the free app, or get it directly via Amazon.com or the Amazon app.

Resources for safety:

If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 911.

Human Trafficking Tip Line in Arizona: Call 1-877-4AZ-TIPS

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988

National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788. Available 24/7 with an online chat option on their website.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673. Operated by RAINN, available 24/7 with an online chat option on their website.

Strong Hearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762-8483

Dating Abuse/Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 or Text LOVEIS to 22522. Available 24/7 with an online chat option on their website.

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence: Call 206-279-2980 or 800-782-6400

ASU Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention and Research (STIR)

Phoenix Dream Center: Call 602-346-8716

Solari Crisis Response Network: Call 1-800-203-CARE. Available 24/7 for those experiencing a mental health crisis. Solari operates in Arizona and Oklahoma.

La Frontera Trauma Healing Services: Available 24/7 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

Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family