Cobb crossing guard charged with molesting 12-year-old

Investigators said Jerry Cox, 62, was not working when the alleged incidents occurred. He is an acquaintance of the victim’s family, Cobb County Police spokesman Officer Joseph Hernandez said.

Police arrested Cox Sunday night on three counts of aggravated child molestation, one count of child molestation and one count of aggravated sexual battery. He was immediately terminated from his position as a school crossing guard, Hernandez said.

Cox worked for the Cobb Police for 24 years as a crossing guard. His most recent assignment was at Tritt Elementary School, Hightower Trail Middle School and Walton High School, police said.

Cox has no previous child molestation complaints during his career, Hernandez said.

Police said Cox, who has been acquainted with the victim’s family for a number of years, molested the girl last month.

The family contacted police Sunday afternoon and the Crimes Against Children Unit immediately began investigating, Hernandez said.

The girl told investigators she was abused at her home, Hernandez said.

Cox, of Marietta, is being held without bond at the Cobb County jail.