A Bismarck apartment manager has been charged with criminal trespass for allegedly entering a tenant's apartment without permission.

Greg Hepper, 40, was charged with the Class Cfelony Friday. South Central District Judge Gail Hagerty set bond for Hepper at $2,000 cash. She also ordered him to stay at least 25 feet away from the alleged victim, a 25-year-old Bismarck woman.

Hepper said he lives in the same apartment building as the woman, but he was sure he would be able to find somewhere else to live. He said the landlord would be able to take over his duties as apartment manager.

Burleigh County Assistant State's Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell recommended Hepper's bond be set at $5,000 cash. She said there were indications that Hepper may have entered the apartment for sexual reasons. She said Hepper also has a criminal history that includes a corruption or solicitation of minors conviction.

Bismarck Police Lt. Dan Donlin said a 25-year-old woman called police early Friday morning to report her apartment manager had used his key to enter her apartment shortly before 2 a.m.

The woman said she awoke to Hepper kneeling next to her bed, where she had been sleeping, and talking to her, Donlin said.

He said Hepper said he had gone into the woman's apartment to see if he could have a muscle relaxant. Hepper said he and the woman are friends, Donlin said.

If convicted, Hepper could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. The charge is a Class Cfelony rather than a Class Amisdemeanor because the alleged trespass occurred at night.

See a map of local crimes at http://www.bismarcktribune.com/crimemap

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@;bismarcktribune.com.)