A depraved dentist has received an extensive prison term for committing rape, sodomy, and abuse against employees and patients at his dental clinic, even during their treatments.
Joseph Clarence Cox, 44, was sentenced to 180 years in prison for his heinous offenses, which included rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse. Cox was convicted by a local jury in January for his actions involving former employees and patients.
Deputy District Attorney of Etowah County, Carol Griffith, disclosed that Cox was apprehended in April 2021 after an investigation by the Gadsden Police Department in Alabama. The trial brought to light a high staff turnover rate between June 2020 and April 2021 due to Cox’s inappropriate sexual conduct with employees.
Testimonies from eight former employees detailed instances of sexual abuse by Cox during office hours, with two employees reporting incidents of rape and sodomy. Additionally, three former patients testified that Cox engaged in sexual misconduct during their dental procedures.
Cox was found guilty by a jury on multiple charges, including first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, and first-degree sexual abuse, following a week-long trial.
In 2012, Cox had admitted to three counts of Harassment in Dekalb County related to similar allegations, resulting in probation and a suspension of his dental license for six months.
During sentencing, Circuit Judge George Day criticized Cox for treating his workplace as a personal playground and disrespecting women. Cox received 25-year prison terms for each count of First Degree Rape and Sodomy, along with ten-year prison terms for each charge of First Degree Sexual Abuse, to be served consecutively, totaling 180 years in prison.