Man sentenced to prison in Jackson County drug trafficking case

A Jackson County judge sentenced Stephen B. Helm, 49, to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree drug trafficking. Prosecutors said the case involved fentanyl and methamphetamine and was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force with federal support. Investigators described controlled purchases in 2024 and 2026 and said a search of Helm’s home uncovered drugs and related equipment.