AUGUSTA, Ga. – An Augusta man who sexually abused children over a three-year period entered into a plea agreement Tuesday that calls for a sentence of 25 years in prison followed by life on probation.
James C. Cox, 58, pleaded guilty in Richmond County Superior Court to a single sexual assault charge, and entered an Alford plea – admitted the state has evidence to convict but not admitting guilt – to multiple counts including rape, aggravated child molestation, child molestation and aggravated sexual battery. While not admitting guilt, Cox is considered guilty of the crimes.
The child molestation crimes occurred from April 2016 through March 2019 with victims who were 12, 10 and 6 when Cox was arrested.
“I made a mistake and I have to pay for it,” Cox said.
“To say you made a mistake is almost laughable. It was a pattern of behavior that frankly is reprehensible,” said Judge J. Wade Padgett. Lucky for Cox his attorney was able to reach plea negotiation, Padgett said.
