Man Charged in Dorm Intrusion Released on Bail

A man from North Carolina has been released on bail after allegedly entering a college dormitory and touching a student inappropriately.

Charges Filed Against John Foster Alexander

Mecklenburg County authorities have charged John Foster Alexander, 38, with several offenses, including sexual battery, secret peeping, first-degree burglary, breaking and entering, and second-degree trespassing. These charges stem from an incident for which he turned himself in. He was granted bail in the amount of $50,000 and released on a Wednesday.

Belmont Abbey College's Alert to Students

Belmont Abbey College took swift action by notifying students about the suspect, sharing his photo in an alert. This event unfolded at the college's Belmont, North Carolina, campus on a Sunday morning.

Campus Safety Emphasized

Chief of Police Andy Leonard of Belmont Abbey College reassured everyone that such incidents are uncommon at their campus, emphasizing the school's commitment to safety. "We're a very safe place," he stated.

Unique Bond Laws in Play

Notably, Alexander lives approximately five miles from the college. He was formally charged in Gaston County, which operates under different bond laws compared to Mecklenburg County, where he turned himself in.

Impact of New State Law

Starting from October 1, a new state law known as H.B. 813, or the Pretrial Integrity Act, will enable judges to decide, based on their discretion, whether violent criminal suspects should be released before trial. This change seeks to prevent the release of potentially dangerous individuals into the community.

How the Intrusion Occurred

Alexander gained access to the dormitory by exploiting a door that was left open due to a lightning strike-induced issue with the front door, which was locked. However, students could still use their key-cards to enter through side doors.

Unfamiliar Face on Campus

The college's police chief mentioned that, to the best of their knowledge, Alexander had not been on campus before.

Possible Motivation

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind Alexander's actions. It is speculated that because he had worked in the bar-restaurant industry in the area, he might have encountered Belmont Abbey students during his work.

Please note that a spokesperson for Belmont Abbey College declined to provide a statement on the matter.