East Helena Man Charged with Decades of Sexual Abuse

HELENA, MT – David Carl Simpkins, 68, of East Helena, has been charged with eight felony counts of sexually abusing children, with allegations spanning over four decades. Simpkins made his initial appearance in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Details of the Allegations

The charges against Simpkins allege sexual abuse occurring over the past two decades, with the first reported incident dating back to 2005. But, court documents suggest allegations of abuse extend back more than 40 years.

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office began investigating in September 2025 after receiving reports from Child Protective Services regarding concerning behavior. Deputies interviewed approximately a dozen individuals, and victims described alleged sexual acts and inappropriate images taken by Simpkins. MTN News and Krtv.com confirmed these details.

PaPa’s Day Care

Simpkins previously operated a daycare service in East Helena called “PaPa’s Day Care.” The business license for the daycare expired in March 2024. The Helena Independent Record reported on the charges related to the daycare owner.

Legal Proceedings

Judge Mike Swingley set Simpkins’ bond at $150,000. He is scheduled to be arraigned in state district court on March 17, 2026.

Protecting Victims

To protect the identities of the victims, details of the case are being intentionally limited in reporting.