Former Gettysburg College student sentenced after incident with girlfriend

Updated, Oct. 5:

Erik Helverson pleaded guilty through a plea agreement to disorderly conduct. His other charges were withdrawn, according to online court documents.

He was sentenced 12 months probation and costs and fines.

Helverson also must complete a care program, drug and alcohol treatment, an alcohol safe driving program and anger management, documents state.

He cannot have any contact with the victim and cannot consume or possess alcoholic beverages.

Previously reported, December 2017:

A domestic assault was reported on Gettysburg College's campus, which led to a now former student being charged.

Erik Helverson, 21, of Millington, New Jersey, allegedly strangled his girlfriend, Natalie Holmberg, with his hands and a pillow after seeing a "sarcastic" text message about their relationship on her cellphone, according to an affidavit filed with District Judge Matthew Harvey.

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At about 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 27, police met with Holmberg, and she told them she and Helverson had been drinking the night before, and she received a text message from a friend.

She said Helverson saw the message, took her phone and would not give it back to her, the affidavit states.

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Holmberg told police she slapped him in an attempt to get her phone, and he slapped her back, making her feel dizzy.

When she tried to get up to leave, Helverson allegedly pulled her back down onto the bed. She said she tried to leave again, but he kept spitting on her and pulling her down, police said in the affidavit.

Helverson also allegedly put his hand around her neck, pushing her down, and put the pillow over her face.

Holmberg told police she couldn't breathe and when he lifted the pillow she spit on him to try and get away, but he put the pillow back over her, the affidavit states.

She attempted to leave two more times, and each time Helverson pulled her back down. Holmberg was eventually able to get away and to a friend's apartment on campus, police said in the affidavit.

Police said when they saw Holmberg, she had bruising around her neck on both sides.

Helverson was charged with strangulation and simple assault, according to online court documents.

He had $25,000 unsecured bail set and has a preliminary scheduled for Dec. 20, documents state.

Helverson is no longer enrolled as a student at Gettysburg College, according to Jamie Yates, Gettysburg College Communications and Media Relations Director.

The college prohibits the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Procedures for institutional disciplinary action will be followed when reported to a college official, according to Gettysburg College's annual security and fire safety report.

Helverson's attorney could not be reached for comment.