Texas – Texas Governor Greg Abbott is calling for changes to the State’s criminal justice system after an Austin man with a lengthy criminal history was accused of breaking into multiple West Campus apartments and attacking residents.
In a June 15 social media post, Abbott said the case demonstrates the need for a new State prosecutor position and greater authority to remove district attorneys who, in his view, fail to prosecute offenders.
“This is why I am calling for a new State Prosecutor position filled by someone who will actually prosecute criminals,” Abbott wrote. “Also why we must empower the Legislature to impeach DAs who refuse to do their job.”
The governor’s comments came after reports that 28-year-old Octavius Brown was accused of breaking into three West Campus apartments near the University of Texas during a three-hour period on June 10. According to court records cited by KXAN, Brown allegedly exposed himself to victims, engaged in sexually motivated behavior, and in one incident attacked a woman after entering her apartment while she was asleep. The woman fought back and escaped the attack, according to investigators.
Abbott also criticized the handling of Brown’s previous cases, noting that he was released from the Travis County Jail in March after receiving five years of deferred adjudication community supervision as part of a negotiated guilty plea in a 2024 felony indecent exposure case. The governor said Brown has a lengthy criminal record that includes numerous prior offenses.
KXAN reported that Brown’s criminal history includes more than a dozen charges related to sexual offenses. Court records cited by the station indicate the June incidents were not the first allegations involving Brown in the West Campus area.
The case has renewed debate over prosecutorial discretion and criminal sentencing in Texas, with Abbott arguing that repeat offenders should face stronger prosecution. The governor’s proposal for a State prosecutor position and expanded authority to remove district attorneys would require action by State lawmakers.
Brown faces multiple charges related to the June incidents. The allegations remain under investigation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
