The week before break, students entering their dorms were greeted with an orange flyer warning that a “white male, 40 years of age or older, 5’7” and 150 lbs.,” had been entering and burglarizing residences when no one was home.

The suspect in question turned out to be 63-year-old Ronald Augustine, a resident of Medina. Augustine was arrested in the Oberlin Inn’s parking lot on the afternoon of March 23, after police determined that Augustine was on the College’s “no trespass” list, meaning he is not allowed on College property,  including the Oberlin Inn, without permission. 

Arresting officer Sergeant Patrick Durica of the Oberlin Police Department also believed Augustine to be a suspect in a burglary and stalking incident being investigated at the time.

After further investigation, police determined Augustine was involved in the recent burglary of a student house on North Main Street, where he had taken several bottles of prescription drugs.

According to an article in the Lorain Morning Journal, Augustine entered the student’s room while the student was sleeping, and upon questioning, Augustine claimed he was looking for “Steve.” The student did not report the incident until after Augustine’s arrest.

Augustine has been arrested on burglary charges three times before.  In those incidents, police alleged that, when confronted, he pretended to be looking for someone.

Augustine has been charged with burglary, theft of drugs and trespassing. He was arraigned in Lorain County Court and held on $20,000 bond.