Homeless Man Charged in Maryland Burglaries

The Frat Boy News daily campus police report for Tuesday:

University of Maryland (compiled by Brady Holt, The Diamondback Online)

A homeless man found sleeping in a dorm at the University of Maryland was charged last week with a string of thefts and burglaries around the campus.

University Police charged Dexter Trimble, 21, with 13 counts of trespassing, theft, burglary, and possession of burglary tools on July 19 after a staff member found him sleeping in the building July 10 with stolen property.

Last week's arrest comes after multiple incidents of Trimble using the dorm as shelter. Police first found Trimble, whom they said is homeless and has no affiliation with the university, on May 29 as he slept in room 1318. Trimble was told to leave the campus and not return. But on the morning of June 19, police found him again in room 1108B.

"I'm sure he'd been here before," University Police spokesman Paul Dillon said. Police spokeswoman Maj. Cathy Atwell added that Trimble "had no lawful business at the university."

Trimble also entered McKeldin Library on June 22 and allegedly stole a purse, cell phone and credit cards, police said.

Police said they do not know why Trimble was sleeping in the dorm. He may be homeless because his father threw him out of his house, said Vicki Duncan, a spokeswoman for the Prince George's County Department of Corrections. Trimble did not respond to requests for comment.

Trimble has been charged in 15 separate incidents since May 2005. He was charged with motor vehicle theft and malicious destruction in September 2006 and was found guilty on lesser charges.

Trimble's case will go to court for the latest charges on Sept. 27, but Duncan expects him to be released.