In a recent trial, 35-year-old Robert Anthony Cox, Jr. of Westwood, was found guilty by a jury of continuous sexual abuse of two children, both under the age of 14, nearly five years after the crimes occurred. The jury’s decision triggered California’s “one strike” rule, subjecting Cox to a life sentence with sentencing scheduled for November 3.
Details of the case revealed that Cox committed these heinous crimes when the victims were just 7 and 9 years old, but the incidents were not reported to law enforcement until January of 2022. The prosecution built a compelling case over two days of testimony, presenting eight witnesses, including the brave minor children who came forward to report and testify against their abuser.
Despite their emotional hardship, The DA’s office recognized the courageous minor children and their families for cooperating in the prosecution. The victims will continue to receive intensive support services from Lassen County Victim Witness as they heal.
The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Rios, and the investigation was conducted by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Silverton Police Department in Oregon and the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.
