I Was Forced: I-Team docuseries on 12News

This series delves into sensitive topics such as sexual assault, trafficking, and suicide, so please approach with care.

Is Helen Simmons a suspect, a victim, or both?

Upon moving to Arizona to attend ASU’s journalism school, Helen Simmons found herself entangled in a web of mystery. Eager to start anew, she turned to a dating app to meet new people, only to encounter a stranger who led her down a dark path.

Less than three weeks after arriving in Phoenix, Helen was behind bars for a jewelry store robbery, an act she claimed she was forced into by the man she met online. Was Helen a victim of coercion and trafficking in addition to being a suspect in the crime? The 12News I-Team embarked on a year-long investigation to uncover the truth.

He Made Me Do It is a gripping series that delves into Helen Simmons’ ordeal, examining the complexities of being both a suspect and a victim. Follow along as we unravel the events that led to Helen’s entanglement and explore the possibility of intervening to prevent such tragedies.

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

The U-Haul had nowhere to hide.

Early one morning in Southern California, a U-Haul linked to an armed robbery in Arizona caught the attention of law enforcement. What ensued was a dramatic police chase down the freeways, culminating in the arrest of two individuals, including Helen Simmons, a key figure in the Anthem jewelry store heist.

As Helen’s story unfolds, the lines between suspect and victim blur, painting a portrait of a young woman caught in a web of manipulation and coercion. Follow her journey through the criminal justice system as she battles serious charges and seeks redemption.

Join us in exploring whether Helen is truly guilty, innocent, or a combination of both.

On a fateful day in July, employees at Andrew Z Diamonds + Fine Jewelry found themselves at the mercy of armed robbers. The swift and violent attack left the store in chaos, with the jeweler fighting for his life after being shot multiple times. As the community grappled with the aftermath, questions loomed about the perpetrators behind the brazen crime.

As details of the robbery unfolded, investigators connected the dots to a U-Haul allegedly used as a getaway vehicle. This discovery set off a chain of events that would lead to a tense standoff in California and the apprehension of Helen Simmons and her alleged accomplice.

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one question remained: what role did Helen truly play in the botched heist?

With the arrest of Helen and her companion, a sense of relief washed over the community. The swift action by law enforcement brought a semblance of closure to a harrowing chapter, but for Helen, the ordeal was far from over.

As the dust settled, glimpses of Helen’s fraught relationship with her co-accused emerged, shedding light on a narrative far more complex than a mere robbery gone wrong.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into Helen’s side of the story in the upcoming episodes of He Made Me Do It, only on 12News.

Want to learn more about the ‘He Made Me Do It’ docuseries? Check out the latest episodes here.

If you or someone you know is in need of help, don’t hesitate to reach out to the following resources:

– 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

– National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 1-800-656-4673

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

– Dating Abuse/Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 1-866-331-9474 or Text LOVEIS to 22522

– 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

– La Frontera Trauma Healing Services