Tick tock... where’s the clock?

Stolen clock Leon County Sheriff Jerry Wakefield and the Texas Rangers held a press conference in the Leon County Courthouse on Monday, January 4, 2010. Along with Sheriff Wakefield, Detective Victor Smith, Detective Brent Walter, Texas Ranger Jim Huggins and Texas Ranger Troy Wilson were present.

Sheriff Wakefield began by recapping the ongoing investigation, stating, “This investigation has gone on much longer than any of us expected. Authorities are investigating as many as 12 rapes, attempted rapes or burglaries between January and November of 2009.”

Authorities believe these acts were committed by the same assailant who has been described as a thin, young, dark-skinned man between 5 feet 6 inches and 6 feet tall. The victims, who lived alone, ranged in age from 65 to 91.

Sheriff Wakefield further explained that the purpose of the press conference was to release a photo of a clock that was stolen by the suspect in a September 5 attack and burglary near Marquez.

“Our hope is that someone will see the clock and it will give us a lead to the suspect. It could be that he would use it as a gift to someone or even display it in his home. We know these guys like trophies and we believe it may have been taken as a trophy,” stated the sheriff.

The clock was purchased by a victim’s son in Japan when he was on his way home from Vietnam. It is unique and distinctive and might catch someone’s attention.

Reflecting the prominence of the case, in addition to local newspapers being present, at least four TV stations were represented.

One reporter stated that there had been two similar cases in Houston and asked if there is a connection. Sheriff Wakefield responded that at this time there is no link to the cases being investigated.

When asked what was being done to make the citizens feel more comfortable, Wakefield explained the Citizens Watch Groups in Centerville and Marquez are making rounds during the early morning hours and the County had approved two additional deputies to his force.

“This has affected a lot of lives in Leon County. We are a big county in area but small in population. Many of these victims have relatives who live here. It has hurt a lot of people”, added Sheriff Wakefield.

Anyone with information related to the clock or someone fitting the description and characteristics of this rapist is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Public Safety Fusion Center at 1-866-786-5972. Callers may remain anonymous and a reward for information is being offered by local Crime Stoppers programs.

The investigation includes the combined efforts of the DPS, the Yoakum Police Department, the Luling Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office, the Falls County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshall’s Service and the FBI.