Mark Laine Helfin, 30, of Minersville, was charged by Minersville Borough Police with felony aggravated assault, felony strangulation, simple assault and harassment following the July 1 incident. Court records show Helfin remains in Schuylkill County Prison after being unable to post $15,000 bail.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Police responded to an apartment building in the unit block of South Second Street in Minersville at approximately 1:49 a.m. on July 1 for an EMS assist involving a woman who reportedly had fallen and suffered a head injury.
When officers arrived, they found the victim lying on the floor of the apartment. Police observed a hematoma and bleeding on the right side of her head, and she complained of pain in the area. She initially told officers she did not remember what had happened.
After EMS personnel began preparing the victim for transport, officers spoke with another woman at the apartment. According to police, the woman stated the injuries were caused by the victim's boyfriend but said the victim was unwilling to report what had happened. The neighbor identified the boyfriend as Mark Helfin.
Police then spoke with the victim again while she was in the ambulance. According to the affidavit, the victim admitted that she and Helfin had argued before he placed his arm around her neck in a chokehold until she "fell asleep."
Police allege the victim told officers she believed Helfin then dragged her, causing her to strike her head. Officers reported observing a fresh bruise on her right shoulder, which they believed was consistent with her account, as well as fresh bruising on her right elbow.
The treating physician later advised police that the victim was being diagnosed with a concussion, according to the affidavit.
Helfin was charged with:
- Aggravated assault, a first-degree felony.
- Strangulation, a second-degree felony.
- Simple assault, a second-degree misdemeanor.
- Harassment, a summary offense.
Court records show bail was set at $15,000 during Helfin's preliminary arraignment on July 2. He was committed to Schuylkill County Prison after failing to post bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 4th, 2026.