Joseph Cortez - Repeat Sex Offender - Attacked woman in her sleep

A convicted sex offender who was paroled just about a month ago has been arrested for trying to sexually assault a woman in East Austin.

Joseph Cortez, 28, had just served a six year sentence for sex assault. He is now is charged with attempted aggravated sexual assault.

Police say early Sunday morning, Cortez used a butter knife to cut out the screen of an open window to get into the woman's home on East 9th Street. She was sleeping inside.

The victim's roommate heard her screams and called 9-1-1.

Police arrested Cortez -- who was partially clothed -- a short time later down the street.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"
.........Sarah Tofte