Advancing justice with integrity and experience.
Tesa Helge
I grew up on a small dairy farm in northern Wisconsin with my parents and two sisters. After college in Wisconsin, I moved to Indiana to attend Valparaiso University School of Law, where I met my husband, Jared. We both graduated in May of 2007, married that August , and moved to Fort Wayne for Jared’s job opportunity.
From the beginning of law school, my goal was to become a prosecutor. I was proud to join the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office in October 2007, where I began my career enforcing child support orders and working in juvenile law. Over the years, I prosecuted misdemeanor cases, low-level felonies, and sexual offenses, eventually serving as Section Chief of the Sex Crimes Unit.
About Me
In 2020, I transitioned to prosecuting homicide cases and regularly went to trial to secure lengthy sentences for violent offenders. In January 2023, I was appointed Chief Counsel for the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, overseeing the Homicide Unit and leading the charging, assignment, and supervision of approximately 60 pending murder cases.
Jared and I have raised our two children, now 14 and 17, in Fort Wayne. We are grateful for the opportunities that brought us to this community and proud to call Fort Wayne home.
“That is why I am running for prosecutor – to help ensure that Allen County is the safest place possible for those who live, work, and visit here.”
Tesa Helge
As Prosecutor
I will aggressively pursue violent criminals while strengthening protections for victims and witnesses. I will work closely with community partners to expand effective programs for nonviolent offenders and support their successful return to productive society. And I will continue to build trust through outreach, transparency, and integrity in everything the office does.
A Clear Plan for Allen County
Support the multiple law enforcement agencies that work tirelessly to keep Allen County communities safe.
Hold all individuals accountable, including accomplices involved in criminal acts.
Maintain firm prosecution of violent firearm offenses and illegal firearm possession by minors.
Justice
Strengthen support for victims and witnesses, recognizing their essential role in the criminal justice process.
Advocate for policies and legislation that expand witness confidentiality, formalize witness protection measures, and provide trauma-informed victim support.
Use prosecutorial experience to identify individuals who enter the criminal justice system due to addiction, mental health challenges , or other needs, and connect them with community-based services when possible to help them return to productivity in their families and community.
Continue building resources within the Prosecutor’s Office and investing in our team to uphold the highest standards of justice.
Experience
Lead collaboratively with other agencies while upholding fiscally responsible government.
Expand youth outreach and programs to build trust, understanding of the justice system, and awareness of the long-term consequences of violence.
Increase transparency and public awareness through responsible media engagement and clear communication about cases, processes, and outcomes.