Cahokia Heights city official charged with DUI after single-vehicle crash

The Deputy mayor of Cahokia Heights was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance, Illinois State Police confirmed.

State Police said DeMario Helm Sr., 42, was invovled in a single vehicle crash on Mousette Lane at Sauget Business Blvd. at about 3:13 a.m. Saturday. He was arrested at the scene and has been charged in St. Clair County with DUI.

Helm is a former city clerk for Centreville and was appointed deputy mayor in Cahokia Heights in 2021. DeMario was operating a city-issued 2021 GMC SUV.

He hung up on a BND reporter when contacted for comment about his arrest.

When he served as city clerk in Centreville, which has since been consolidated with Cahokia and Alorton into Cahokia Heights, Helm had troubles with law enforcement. In 2015, he was charged with aggravated battery to a police officer and resisting police.

The battery charge was dismissed in a plea bargain, according to St. Clair County circuit court records.

This story was originally published November 3, 2024 at 5:07 PM.