COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS – Texas A&M Associate Professor Dismissed Amidst Trespass Charges

In a recent turn of events, Texas A&M University has dismissed Jong Wha Chang, an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Science at the College of Pharmacy, on account of allegations of his illegal entry into a student’s off-campus dwelling.

Allegations of Unlawful Entry

As per official accounts provided by the College Station Police, Chang, 51, is accused of unlawfully accessing a student’s apartment during Spring Break in March. The Associate Professor allegedly lifted a key from the student’s belongings, made a copy, and later used it to gain entry into her home while she was away.

Suspicion Follows CCTV Footage

According to the police report, Chang was in his office with several students on March 5. During a brief span when the students had stepped out to have lunch, Chang purportedly went through one of the student’s tote and swiped her apartment key. Surveillance footage later in the day revealed Chang visiting the student’s residence, unlocking the door, and then exiting only to lock it again.

Chang later texted the student claiming he had found her key near her car in the parking lot and had returned it. In addition to this, Chang was reportedly caught on camera entering the student’s house again three days later. Police suspect he made a copy of the key, returned the original to the student, and later used the duplicate to commit the alleged trespass. The police report, however, did not specify whether any items had been stolen from the apartment.

Arrest and Subsequent Firing

Chang was placed on leave as of March 21, the same day he was involved in a vehicular accident hitting the back of an 18-wheeler parked on the shoulder of Highway 6. Following his discharge from the hospital, Chang was arrested on Sunday, May 11, and faced charges for criminal trespass. He was released the same day on an $8,000 bond.

The University terminated Chang on Tuesday, May 21. In a public statement issued by the University to News 3, the institution stated, “We want to assure the Texas A&M community that allegations of policy, rule, or legal violations are taken with utmost seriousness and that appropriate measures are being taken to address the situation. The safety of our students, staff and faculty is paramount.“

The exact cause of the crash which injured Chang remains being investigated by Texas DPS.

Investigation Continues

As of this moment, the aftermath continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the breach of privacy allegations against the former Associate Professor. Further updates will be reported as the investigation proceeds.