Bond for accused rapist who claimed innocence on Facebook set at $1M

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — A rape and kidnapping suspect is in custody, days after authorities began searching for him, Cabarrus County deputies said.

Derek Helms, 28, turned himself into Charlotte authorities Sunday, and deputies from Cabarrus County picked him up.

During his first court appearance Monday morning, a judge set Helms' bond at $1 million.

The district attorney said Helms attacked his accuser while she was sleeping over Memorial Day weekend.

The DA painted a graphic picture of the alarming attack in front of Helms' family who showed up to support him in court.

Cabarrus County deputies previously posted to Facebook that they were searching for Helms who had outstanding warrants accusing him of first-degree kidnapping and second-degree rape.

Helms commented on the post by saying he is innocent and will be vindicated.

The sheriff's office replied, telling Helms to turn himself in.

In the exchange, Helms said the accusations were the fault of "some crooked cops."

"That, to me right there, tells me there's something wrong with his mental state,” neighbor Angela Perry said. “I mean, who taunts police officers?"

The DA said Helms' efforts to paint himself as a clean cut man differ from what was found on his phone. The DA said investigators found videos of him threatening the accuser and discovered he was on websites soliciting sex from men and women.

The DA also said that Helms turned himself over in Mecklenburg County because he was hoping to get a lower bond there.

"He's going to do what he can do to save himself," neighbor Steve Ashely said.

Helms applied for a court-appointed attorney Monday.

He is facing charges of second-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, obstruction of justice and failing to return property.

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