Sex offender accused of exposing himself in girl’s bathrooms while claiming to be trans

A notorious sex offender, Richard Cox, is facing accusations of indecent exposure in girls’ locker rooms at public schools and community centers in Virginia, all while claiming to be a transgender woman. The 58-year-old, who is a registered sex offender on the highest level of the registry, appeared in court in Arlington where he adamantly insisted on being recognized as a woman and demanded that the prosecutor stop misgendering him.

Despite Cox’s claims, the judge refused to comply, citing the numerous witnesses who saw him exposing himself and engaging in lewd behavior in public locker rooms. One incident involved Cox allegedly spying on women while naked in changing rooms at a high school that allows individuals to use facilities based on their chosen gender identity. Additionally, a mother reported encountering Cox in a women’s locker room at a school where he was touching himself inappropriately in plain view.

Another woman detailed how she and her young daughters, ages 5 and 6, witnessed Cox naked in the girls’ locker room at a fitness center. Testimonies from a 17-year-old lifeguard and other women further corroborated the allegations against Cox. Furthermore, it was revealed that Cox possessed child pornography on his phone and had schedules for children’s gymnastic and swimming classes, raising concerns about his predatory behavior towards minors.

As a Tier III sex offender, Cox is required to register for life due to the seriousness of his offenses. His criminal record dates back to 1998 when he was first placed on the registry. In December, he was arrested for similar acts of indecent exposure in female changing rooms at a swimming center in Arlington, which is shared with Washington-Liberty High School. Arlington Public Schools’ policy allows individuals to use locker rooms and bathrooms based on their gender identity, leading to increased scrutiny and calls for accountability in light of Cox’s actions.

Cox faces a total of 29 charges related to his recent sex crimes, with his case set to go before a grand jury in the coming weeks. His history of sex offenses dating back to 1992 underscores the seriousness of the current allegations against him. The community remains on high alert as authorities work to address the disturbing pattern of behavior exhibited by Cox.