Police Blotter: harassing communications, theft by taking, entering auto and fraud

Mercer Police have responded to three car break-ins, two instances of harassing communications and other crimes, such as theft by taking and fraud, across campus in March 2019.

Harassing communications

Chief of Police Gary Collins responded to a report March 5 that the complainant had received 19 emails from a stranger, Stephen Thomas Hatez, over a 24-hour period.

The police record provided to The Cluster said that Hatez, 34, had also sent harassing communications to Mercer’s campus in late 2018. He is now prohibited from contacting or visiting the school.

“Mr. Hatez acknowledged receiving a letter from Mercer Police Department (to) Cease and Desist contacting Mercer University and (stop) coming to any property owned by Mercer University,” the report said.

The complainant Hatez is accused of contacting is not a student, but identifying information was redacted from the report.

The report said a warrant has been issued for Hatez’s arrest.

Another instance of harassing communications was reported on March 15 in the Connell Student Center.

Responding Officer Charlie Platt wrote that the complainant, who was not a student, reported receiving harassing phone calls from Martin Jerome Walker, 28.

The report said the complainant did not know Walker previously. No other information was provided.

Fraud

Mercer Police responded to a report March 5 that a student had received a fraudulent check while selling items online.

The student was selling unidentified items on Craigslist and was contacted by a purchaser, Kameron Andrews. The student said he received a check from Andrews that was issued in a different name.

“Once a price was set, Andrews sent a cashier’s check that appears to be fraudulent with $1500 over the amount,” according to a police report by Platt.

The check sent to the student was in the name of Kevin Thomas -- not Andrews.

Platt reported that Mercer Police contacted Thomas and “had his local bank look at the check to confirm that it was fraudulent.”

Theft by taking, entering auto

A student reported March 1 that $170 worth of their clothing had been stolen from within Legacy Hall.

Police also responded to three car break-ins across campus affecting students’ vehicles.