n a harrowing incident on July 11, 2023, a real estate agent narrowly escaped an attempted rape while showing a home to a client in the 1100 block of Atkins Drive in Celeste. The Hunt County Sheriff's Office Communications Division received a distressing 911 call from the agent, who managed to break free from the suspect and seek help at the Celeste Police Department. The Hunt County Sheriff's Office immediately launched an investigation to apprehend the perpetrator.
Deputies from the Hunt County Sheriff's Office met with the victim at the Celeste Police Department and gathered crucial information about the assault. According to the victim's account, the suspect, armed with a stun gun, assaulted her during the home viewing. The brave agent managed to escape from the suspect's clutches and fled the residence to ensure her safety.
Law enforcement agencies were promptly alerted about the suspect's description and the vehicle he was driving. Despite their efforts, the suspect had already fled the area and remained at large.
The Hunt County Criminal Investigation Division took charge of the case, conducting interviews with the victim and meticulously examining the crime scene at the targeted residence. Investigators swiftly identified a possible suspect and sought him out at a residence in Josephine, Texas, on the Collin County side.
Sheriff Terry Jones and the investigators, following statements obtained from the suspect and other leads uncovered during the investigation, obtained an evidentiary search warrant and arrest warrant based on sufficient probable cause.
Executing the search warrant at approximately 8:47 pm, Sheriff Terry Jones and the investigators apprehended the suspect at a residence in the 200 block of Caddo Street in Josephine, Texas. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Hunt County Detention Center. He now faces charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Further evidence found during the search of the suspect's residence substantiated his involvement in the offense.
During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the suspect had a prior conviction for a similar offense. In Indiana, he had been found guilty of sexual battery and served a prison sentence for attempting to sexually assault another real estate agent before being paroled to Texas.
Expressing his gratitude, Sheriff Terry Jones commended the dedication and swift action taken by his Patrol Deputies and investigators in resolving the case. Their relentless efforts led to the arrest of the suspect within a little over eight hours, despite limited initial information. Sheriff Jones acknowledged the assistance provided by the Celeste Police Department, which offered a safe refuge for the victim, and the Josephine Police Department, which aided in the execution of the search warrant.
The suspect, identified as Carl Robert Sleeper, is currently detained in the Hunt County Detention Center, with his bond set at $125,000.00.
