HPU freshman charged with sexual assault, strangulation and bodily injury 

The Guilford County Sheriff's Department has charged a former High Point University student with sexual assault. 

 

Court records state that the male student was charged with first-degree sexual assault, sexual battery and serious bodily injury. 

 

Nicholas Nelson, at the time a freshman at HPU, was charged by the Guilford County Sheriff’s department on Oct. 28, 2023. Nelson waived his right to an assigned counsel and was released on bond of $100,000. Nelson is allowed to leave the state of North Carolina, but must return for all court dates. 

 

Police reports state that the incident occurred in a residence hall between the days of Oct. 16 and Oct. 18 with the female reporting the assault to campus security and police on Oct. 27. 

 

A search warrant was issued for Nelson’s dorm room on Nov. 3. However, no items were seized. 

 

According to documents present in the Guilford County court records, threats and complaints were registered with security and police at HPU prior to the incident pertaining to Nelson’s behavior. 

 

The View Point reached out to Nelson and the female for a statement, but received no response. 

 

High Point University released a statement pertaining to this incident. 

 

“The student (Nelson) you mention is no longer enrolled. This is an ongoing investigation with campus police, who took action as soon as a report was made. The safety of our students is always our top priority.”

 

The View Point also requested a statement from campus security and police. Due to the ongoing investigation the department has chosen not to comment. 

 

The 2023 Fire Safety and Security Report, also known as the Clery Report, states that in 2022 there were 18 rape reports and four counts of aggravated assault on campus. 

 

A court date has been set for Feb. 9.