David Helsel - Repeat Sex Offender - D.A. Seeks Life Sentence

Because it is the third time Helsel has been charged with rape, the district attorney plans to seek a life sentence against him.

A Blair County man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two girls was scheduled to appear in court Monday.

David Helsel is accused of dragging two girls into a wooded area near Oakridge Cemetery in Altoona over the summer. Police said Helsel, a convicted Megan's Law offender, assaulted the girls and tried to rape one of them at knifepoint.

Because it is the third time Helsel has been charged with rape, the district attorney plans to seek a life sentence against him. It would be the first time in Pennsylvania that a rapist would receive that sentence.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"
.........Sarah Tofte