A Houston man is facing a felony rap after police say he forced his way into his ex-girlfriend's home, pulled drain lines apart, cranked the faucets, and toppled furniture, leaving more than $1,000 in damage behind.
Authorities identified the suspect as 28-year-old Jacob Evans. In addition to the property-damage allegation, he is also accused of first-degree stalking tied to a series of alleged threats. A warrant was issued on Dec. 22, and Evans' first court appearance was set for Tuesday.
The probable-cause affidavit, as detailed by Ozark Radio News, states that Evans allegedly entered the woman's home in November, disconnected drain lines, left faucets running throughout the house, and overturned furniture, with investigators estimating the resulting damage at more than $1,000. That account notes the affidavit formed the basis for the Dec. 22 warrant and the charges filed this week.
How Police Say It Unfolded
Officers were dispatched to the property on Nov. 20 and found water spreading across the floors with the kitchen and bathroom faucets still running, according to the Houston Herald.
The Herald reports the woman told police Evans had repeatedly called her workplace and threatened to kill her, burn the house, and harm her dog. According to that outlet, Evans denied the underlying accusations but admitted to threatening to burn the residence.
Charges And The Law
Local reporting indicates Evans was charged Monday with first-degree property damage and is also facing a first-degree stalking count connected to the alleged threats.
Under Missouri law, first-degree property damage can apply when damage exceeds $750. The state’s stalking statute covers threats or a course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety. The statutory language is set out in RSMo §569.100 and RSMo §565.225.
Penalties And What Comes Next
Missouri sentencing rules set maximum prison terms by felony class. A Class E felony can carry up to four years in prison, while a Class D can carry up to seven years, though any actual sentence depends on prior criminal records and a judge’s discretion. Those ranges are laid out in state sentencing law.
Bond in the property-damage case was set at $2,500 cash only, according to the Houston Herald. Prosecutors in Texas County are expected to move the case through the local court calendar in the coming hearings.
Evans' initial court appearance was scheduled for Tuesday, Ozark Radio News reported, and court records will track any new filings or changes to the charges as the case progresses.
