A Houston-area man has been charged with the rape of an 88-year-old woman, who was attacked in the night, as she was lying in bed and watching television, officials announced Thursday.

Justin Glenn Ellis was arrested Tuesday at a different senior living complex after already being charged with sexual assault of the elderly — a first-degree felony — in the case of the 88-year-old victim.

“He is a suspect in several other crimes involving the same sort of circumstances,” said prosecutor Kristina Roberts. She asked that anyone with information about Ellis or possible crimes to contact authorities.

He is believed to have attacked the elderly woman on June 11, as she lay in bed and watched television inside of the complex off of Buffalo Speedway, according to a news release from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

The woman first realized there was an intruder when she saw a shadow near her bathroom. The intruder – believed to be Ellis – likely crept in through an open window in the bathroom, according to sworn statements from Houston police officers.

Roberts said the suspect was homeless and was often seen in that area near West University.

The woman told Ellis to leave her apartment, according to court documents. Then, she tried to get out of bed. Ellis is believed to have attacked her, throwing her back onto the bed and tearing her clothes. She fought back. Ellis tried to smother her with a pillow, according to court documents.

“Do you like this?” Ellis is believed to have repeatedly asked the woman during the suspected assault.

It was unclear how Ellis escaped from the woman’s apartment undetected.

If convicted, he faces the possibility of life in prison.

The latest charge comes after Ellis pleaded guilty to a string of misdemeanors since 2013, including 11 charges of criminal trespassing, according to court documents.

Most recently, Ellis served 30 days in the Harris County Jail for criminal trespassing on May 3.

“Our elderly must be protected,” said Assistant District Attorney JoAnne Musick, chief of the sex crimes unit. “Since that horrific attack, we have been actively working with Houston police to collect evidence, identify the suspect, and file charges.”

He is being held in the Harris County Jail on $200,000 bail.

Sources:  Opposing Views