Man arrested for dorm and apartment break-ins

A San Marcos man involved in a series of break-ins over the past week was arrested after breaking into and stealing items from several rooms at the San Jacinto Hall dormitory early Friday morning.

The subject, Jose Ernesto Chavez, age 29, was also reportedly involved in break-ins at Dakota Ranch Apartments and The Edge Apartments, both located on Old Ranch Road 12.

A statement from the Texas State University Police Department about the incident said a male subject entered the dormitory and then entered several unlocked rooms where female students were sleeping. The subject took property from several rooms, though UPD said the stolen items have been recovered.

“UPD officers quickly responded to the calls and apprehended the male suspect as he was leaving San Jacinto Hall,” the statement reads.

UPD shared information about Chavez’s arrest with the San Marcos Police Department, noting that Chavez’s description was similar to that of the suspect in the incidents at Dakota Ranch and The Edge on April 21, according to a press release from the city.

The city press release also states that during questioning with San Marcos police, Chavez confessed to the incident at Dakota Ranch Apartments in which the victim told police she woke up to a strange man on her bed grabbing her breast. Chavez also confessed to the April 21 burglary at The Edge.

Chavez was charged with one count of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a sexual offense, one count of burglary of a habitation (first degree felony) and three counts of burglary of habitation (second degree felony). As of Friday, Chavez was still in the Hays County Jail on a $150,000 bond. Chavez remains in the Hays County Jail on a $150,000 bond.