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Prosecutor Fired for Felony Strangulation

**Harris County Prosecutor Arrested for Felony Strangulation, Terminated from Position**

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – A Harris County prosecutor, Austin Van Nerdum, was arrested last week and subsequently fired from his role after being charged with felony strangulation following an alleged domestic violence incident at his Montgomery County residence. The 28-year-old assistant district attorney was booked into the Montgomery County Jail on Thursday, May 16, and his employment with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office was terminated the very next day.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Montgomery County, the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 15, at Van Nerdum’s home. Court documents detail allegations from a woman, identified as his girlfriend, who reported that Van Nerdum assaulted her during an argument. The victim told law enforcement that Van Nerdum grabbed her by the neck with both hands, restricting her breathing for several seconds. She further alleged that he threw her onto a bed, continued to hold her down by the neck, and physically prevented her from leaving the residence. As she attempted to escape, Van Nerdum reportedly punched her in the back of the head.

Responding deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office observed and photographed visible red marks on the victim’s neck and chest area, consistent with her account.

Van Nerdum was taken into custody on May 16, and his bond was set at $50,000. He faces a third-degree felony charge of strangulation, which carries a potential prison sentence of two to ten years upon conviction in Texas.

The swift action regarding Van Nerdum’s employment came directly from Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg. On Friday, May 17, Ogg’s office confirmed his immediate termination. In an official statement, the Harris County DA’s office reiterated its firm zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence. “Our office holds all employees to the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty,” the statement read. “Actions that violate the law and betray public trust will not be tolerated, especially those involving domestic violence.”

Van Nerdum had been an Assistant District Attorney with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office since September 2022, serving for approximately a year and eight months before his arrest and firing. The specifics of his caseload or division were not immediately released, but prosecutors typically handle a range of cases from misdemeanors to felonies.

Legal experts note that felony strangulation charges are taken extremely seriously in Texas, often indicating a heightened risk in domestic violence situations due to the potential for severe injury or fatality.

Van Nerdum is currently awaiting further legal proceedings in Montgomery County. Details regarding his arraignment and subsequent court dates are expected to be released as the case progresses through the judicial system. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has made it clear that while they employed Van Nerdum, the charges and legal process are now entirely under the jurisdiction of Montgomery County authorities.

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