Cal Poly dorm counselor arrested for burglary and attempted rape

A Cal Poly student and dorm advisor was arrested Thursday on charges of burglary and attempted rape, the university announced.

Alexis Alejandro, a 25-year-old student who lives in an on-campus dorm and serves as a resident advisor (RA) to supervise other student residents, was arrested Thursday afternoon for an incident that occurred Sept. 7 at the Poly Canyon Village Apartments, university police said Friday.

Cal Poly police received a report of an attempted burglary of the apartments, known as a PCV, around 3 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. The victim was reportedly awakened by someone putting their hands over his face and a scuffle ensued, officials said in the email alert sent at the time.

The man, described at the time as a young adult Asian with neck-length hair, fled the scene.

The incident was reported to the campus community via email and officials subsequently asked the public for help in identifying the suspect.

Alejandro was taken into custody by university police around 3:45 p.m. Thursday and booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of burglary and assault with intent to commit rape.

“The safety of members of our campus community is Cal Poly's highest priority,” Cal Poly Police Chief George Hughes said in an email Friday announcing the arrest, “and the university works diligently to investigate all reports of criminal conduct on campus.”

Alejandro was still in custody Friday night. His bail was set at $100,000. There is no scheduled release date or time.

He was denied access to campus, the statement said, and the matter was referred to Cal Poly's Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Students’ reaction to the news of the arrest

KSBY spoke to incoming students who said the incident made them feel unsafe.

“Everyone is kind of shaken by the situation right now,” said Amy Truong, a student at Cal Poly.

Just days before the start of the new school year at Cal Poly, students and staff learned of the arrest on campus on Friday morning.

“When he wasn't found yet, I was really scared because I was wondering who did this because I was so confused,” Truong said. “It never occurred to me that an RA would do something like that because I trust them.”

The arrest took place in the middle of move-in week on campus and left students and their parents with an uneasy feeling.

“My mother was very concerned about this and kept talking to me about it,” said Arpana Shresta, a sophomore who lives in Poly Canyon Village.

“I think if someone were to become an RA, there would be intensive background checks because they have access to all of our rooms,” Truong said. “And if they're on call, they have the master key.”

All offers to students applying for a Resident Advisor position are contingent upon a successful fingerprint background check, as outlined on the University's website describing the Resident Advisor position and its requirements. Students must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be in good standing with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibility.

“It's just shocking that they allowed this to happen,” said Rohan Suthar, a student moving to Poly Canyon Village.

According to the university's website, residence counselors serve as the face of University Housing and are designed to “promote a safe and inclusive living environment, develop a sense of community among residents and staff, and advocate for the personal and academic success of each student.”

Resident advisors do not receive a salary. However, their housing costs are covered and they receive money for their meals, according to the university's website.

Students can apply online through the Cal Poly Housing Portal.

The Cal Poly Police Department can be contacted through the information on their website.