The peaceful routine at ECC was rattled when what began as minor theft reports escalated into criminal charges, culminating in the arrest of 19-year-old former student Hasnain Raza, a case resurfacing now as newly released campus security records shed light on the investigation. 

On February 1, 2024, ECC police responded to reports that someone had forced entry into student vehicles parked in “Lot B”, outside Building A. The first complaint noted items from their glove box and center console appeared to have been rummaged through, though initially nothing seemed to be missing.

Within hours, a second student reported that $350 was missing from their wallet, which had been left in their glove box. A review of campus-security footage revealed a man, later identified as Raza, entering four separate cars during the morning hours. 

Authorities say that offices recognized Raza from previous non-criminal encounters at ECC. When interviewed, he admitted to entering four vehicles but he denied taking anything, claiming instead that he was looking for a friend’s car and intended to only wait in his own vehicle. 

Raza signed a formal ban notice on February 1, 2024, banning him from campus. On February 5, the student who lost the cash finally indicated they would accept reimbursement and drop the matter. The two were to meet the next morning at the ECC Police Department to settle the restitution. 

However, when Raza arrived on February 6, with only part of the money, the student refused it, declaring their intent to proceed to court. Later that day, Raza was formally arrested and charged with one count of burglary (a felony) and one count of criminal trespass to vehicle (a misdemeanor).  

“I was completely taken by surprise when I heard about the burglary in the campus parking lot,” states full-time ECC dual credit student, Crisynthia Sandoval. “It’s unsettling to think that something like this could happen in a place where I usually feel so safe.” 

Raza appeared in the court hearing on March 5, 2024. 

According to the Kane County court records, on August 6, 2024, the defendant entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.  

The parties agree that the defendant will pay fees, fines, and costs totaling $1,584.00 to be distributed as follows:

1. $354.00 to Clerk Fees as provided by statute and/or resolution
2. $25.00 to State’s Attorney’s Office for Drug Test Administration Fees
3. $50.00 to State’s Attorney’s Office for Application Fee
4. $1,155.00 to State’s Attorney’s Office for Program Fee

The parties also agreed that the amount of restitution owed by the defendant in this cause is $350.00. 

Raza was also ordered to 50 hours of community service on the same court date. 

He was assigned to his service at St. Margaret’s Mary’s Church on August 29, 2024 and completed his hours there on January 6, 2025. He was then assigned to Fox Valley Baptist Church on the same day and completed his service on September 8, 2025.

This case was not included in the annual campus security report for the year 2024. 

In Illinois, burglary and burglary to motor vehicles are two separate crime sections. The guidance from the Department of Education, which requires the annual campus security report, specifically exempts thefts from vehicles whether they are locked or not, from the category. Therefore, the burglary is not included and reflected in the annual campus security report, according to Chief of Police, David Kintz. 

In a campus where serious crime is rare, this case serves as a sharp reminder of campus vulnerability when simple safety precautions are ignored.