Man Arrested for Serial Theft After Breaking into Occupied Hotel Room in St. George

St. George, Utah (KUTV) –

Authorities apprehended a suspect accused of engaging in a series of thefts on Friday, shortly after his release from jail, following his alleged break-in into an occupied hotel room in St. George.

The St. George Police Department launched an investigation on December 29 after receiving reports of a burglary at the Comfort Suites, situated at 175 North 1000 East.

Upon arrival, the responding officer met with the hotel manager, who presented security footage from December 24.

Reviewing the police documents, it was revealed that the footage depicted a man, identified as Maurice Claybrooks, 32, riding a white bicycle as he entered the hotel and proceeded to the fourth floor. Claybrooks was observed attempting to open various doors on the fourth floor before successfully gaining access to one of the rooms and entering. He remained in the room for approximately one minute.

Further Incidents and Confrontation

After leaving the room, Claybrooks reportedly moved to the third floor, where he attempted to enter additional rooms but failed. He then returned to the fourth floor, where a staff member confronted him.

Claybrooks was seen showing a room key card to the staff member, which he used to open the door of the room he had previously entered. After exiting the room, he left the premises.

In the hotel’s security footage, Claybrooks was observed wearing an orange North Face jacket, aiding the officer in identifying him as the suspect who had been arrested on December 28 for several thefts at nearby hotels and motels.

Hotel records dating back a year confirmed that Claybrooks had never booked a room at the St. George Comfort Suites.

Confrontation with the Victim

The responding officer facilitated a meeting between Claybrooks, himself, and the victim of the burglary. The victim confirmed that they were staying alone in the room and had not invited anyone else inside. As a result of the incident, they checked out a day earlier than planned, on the same day the break-in occurred.

No items, including room key cards, were reported missing or stolen.

Claybrooks was subsequently taken into custody and booked into the Purgatory Correctional Facility on a second-degree felony charge for burglary of a dwelling with the intent to commit theft.