Suspect caught on camera rummaging through woman's apartment arrested

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Gene Apodaca
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By Gene Apodaca

(12/4/05 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- A Houson woman can sleep easier after a man police believe was caught on tape breaking into her home and trying on her most intimate possessions is behind bars.

It was a woman's worst nightmare. A stranger was allegedly inside her home doing unspeakable acts. But thanks to a hidden camera and a tipster, police believe the search for a suspect is over.

"It's very disturbing," said the victim, who we're just calling Nicole. "Definitely, I felt very violated."

He broke into her apartment and rummaged through her most intimate clothes. Now, police believe the man captured on videotape is behind bars.

Days after we first aired the exclusive hidden camera video, police received a tip from a viewer. The tip led them to 37-year-old Shawn Rogers, who was arrested Saturday night at a west Houston apartment. He lived just three miles from the victim.

"I'm so glad that we got him and we can finally start moving on," said Nicole.

Speaking to us from New York, the victim, who captured the frightening images, talked about the ordeal. For weeks, she was afraid to show her face and now, she's breathing a sigh of relief.

"I'm OK with it now," she said. "I need them to know that I'm not scared."

Rogers is being charged with burglary and he's being held at the Harris County jail. More charges could follow if it's shown he stalked the victim. For now, the woman who helped put him behind bars has this advice.

"Fight back," said Nicole. "We need to get these people off the street. We can't let this happen to other people."

If convicted, Rogers could face up to 20 years in prison. The camera used to catch the suspect is called 'What Really Happened While You Were Away.' It's designed to look like a working digital clock, but inside is a hidden lens. The camera connects to your home computer and records after detecting motion. You can only buy them at Sharper Image for about $200.
(Copyright © 2005, KTRK-TV)

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