University Police arrested Oluwafemi T. Charles yesterday for his alleged involvement in a Feb. 26 burglary in Cumberland Hall.
Charles, 28, was charged with first-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, fourth-degree burglary, theft between $1,000 and $10,000, theft less than $100, fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault, University Police spokesman Capt. Marc Limansky said.
Police responded to the seventh floor of Cumberland early Sunday morning after receiving reports that an 18-year-old female student awoke to find Charles in her dorm room touching her legs, Limansky said. Police believe that Charles, a Silver Spring native, intended to steal the victim’s laptop, among other belongings.
Although police said they have not found that Charles actually stole something that morning, Limansky said Charles will still be charged for his intent to take property.
After a description of the suspect was released Sunday afternoon in a university crime alert, Limansky said police received several calls between Sunday and Wednesday about people who fit the description. Charles was identified by one of those callers, he said.
While original reports stated that there were two men involved in the burglary, Limanksy said only one was found in the room of the victim. Police have not identified the other man.
Charles could face additional charges since the investigation is still ongoing. Charles has no previous offenses in the state, according to court documents.
“The investigation is continuing surrounding other issues of property and possibly a vehicle, so there are potential additional charges forthcoming,” Limansky said. “It seemed like [Charles] was using the university as a potential feeding ground of sorts.”
Limansky added that the department is pleased with the swift arrest.
“These kinds of cases for any other agency often go unsolved,” he said. “It’s a tribute to the individuals in our criminal investigation division that they continued to pursue leads well after the incident. We have the luxury to continue to investigate and to turn it around in four days, and that’s a good feat and a quick result.”
After Sunday’s incident, police notified all Cumberland residents and asked for assistance in identifying the suspects. Freshman letters and sciences major Sasha Hoherchak, who is also an eighth floor resident, said she was worried about her safety after the incident.
“I didn’t lock my door before because I trusted everyone here and if I forgot or was lazy, I figured it would be fine,” Hoherchak said. “I don’t even think I locked my door last night. It was scary when the cops were banging on my door this morning, asking if I had seen any suspicious people.”
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