West Campus: Man charged with indecent exposure

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A registered sex offender is behind bars after an incident at a West Campus apartment complex, according to the Austin Police Department.

According to an affidavit from APD, on April 28, a detective responded to a call for services at “The Standard” apartment complex across from the University of Texas campus.

The arrest report states “The victim said she was studying in a second floor study room when the suspect entered the room and asked if he could sit down. The victim told him no, so the suspect left, but later came back. It’s at that time the victim says the suspect exposed himself to her."

The suspect was identified as Octavius Brown, 28, in the report.

On April 30, APD reviewed the footage of the suspect, and the detective recognized the suspect. The report states the detective "knew Brown’s address to be the Marshalling Yard.”

APD contacted the facility and confirmed that Brown was still living at the Marshalling Yard, and then reviewed footage of him leaving the homeless shelter on April 27.

On June 12, the victim was able to identify Brown in a photo line-up, and he was taken into custody, according to police.

Brown was convicted of indecent exposure multiple times over the years, the affidavit said.

With multiple offenses, the charges of misdemeanors could now be enhanced to a State Jail Felony, according to officials.

"This is just an offense that is unfortunately under punished,” said Attorney Ben Gergen, who has no affiliation to this case. "I fully expect the DA's office to do everything they can under the laws we have now to make sure that Mr. Brown does not get released on Bond and he is not back in our community any time soon."

Gergen said cases like this need to be looked at closely, especially when it comes to repeat offenders.

“It is very important to highlight that this is a legislative issue,” Gergen said.  “This is something that should be taken up at the next session, and the penalty should be increased."

Since Brown was staying at the Marshalling Yard during the incident, KXAN wanted to know what its rules and policies are.

Does the Marshalling Yard allow sex offenders to stay? 

“There have been no reported incidents of sexual offenses at the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter. In order to be an extremely low barrier shelter, the Marshalling Yard Emergency Shelter does not screen for criminal backgrounds (including sex offenses). The Shelter facility is robustly staffed by professional shelter monitors and has 24-hour security on site.” – City of Austin Spokesperson.

Are women and men allowed to stay at the shelter? 

“Yes, the Marshalling Yard is gender inclusive accommodating both men and women. Sleeping areas in the shelter have been separated by gender. The City also operates a male-only shelter (Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, or ARCH) and a women-only shelter (Eighth Street Shelter).” – City of Austin Spokesperson

Does the Marshalling Yard offer counseling for people who are arrested then released?

“People experiencing homelessness have diverse backgrounds, needs, and circumstances. Each client at Marshalling Yard is assigned a Case Manager. Counseling services such as mental health support, counseling or substance abuse health support are provided to individuals as requested or needed.” – City of Austin Spokesperson