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

ST. GEORGE, Utah (KUTV) — Authorities have apprehended a man accused of a series of thefts on Friday, as he was caught breaking into an occupied hotel room in St. George, just a day after his release from jail.

Officers from the St. George Police Department initiated an investigation on December 29, after receiving reports of a burglary at the Comfort Suites located at 175 North 1000 East.

Upon arrival, the responding officer met with the hotel manager, who presented security footage dated December 24. The footage revealed a man, later identified as 32-year-old Maurice Claybrooks, riding a white bicycle and entering the hotel premises. Claybrooks then proceeded to the fourth floor, where he attempted to open several doors before successfully accessing one of the rooms. He remained inside for approximately one minute.

Serial Burglary Attempts

Following his departure from the room, Claybrooks moved to the third floor, attempting to gain entry into additional rooms. However, his efforts were fruitless, prompting him to return to the fourth floor. It was there that a staff member confronted him, questioning his presence.

Claybrooks responded by flashing a room key card to the staff member, which he had used to gain access to the room he had previously entered on the fourth floor. Once outside, he left the property.

The hotel’s security footage captured Claybrooks wearing an orange North Face jacket, a distinctive characteristic that helped the officer identify him. It was revealed that Claybrooks had been booked into jail on December 28 for several thefts committed at nearby hotels and motels.

Hotel records from the past year confirmed that Claybrooks had never made a reservation at the St. George Comfort Suites.

Meeting with the Victim

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

No items were reported stolen, including any room key cards.

Claybrooks has been booked into the Purgatory Correctional Facility on a second-degree felony charge of burglary of a dwelling with the intent to commit theft.

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