Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has condemned Fairfax County and its sheriff’s office for failing to act against Richard Cox, a registered sex offender with a lengthy criminal history, after he was repeatedly accused of exposing himself to girls and women at public recreation centers and schools in Northern Virginia, the New York Post reports. Cox is classified as a Tier III offender, the most serious category, which requires lifetime registration. Authorities discovered child pornography on his phone, as well as schedules for girls’ swim classes, evidence prosecutors say Cox used to target locations where children would be present.
Despite frequent complaints and mounting evidence, including video footage showing Cox entering women’s locker rooms at several Fairfax County recreation centers, local police and prosecutors have not filed charges against him in Fairfax County. According to public records, staff allowed Cox, who identified as a transgender woman, to use women’s facilities due to county policy. Multiple witnesses—including parents and lifeguards—described instances where Cox was found naked in these areas when young girls were present. In contrast, Arlington County officials have moved forward with prosecution for similar offenses committed within their jurisdiction.
[caption id="attachment_91655" align="aligncenter" width="259"]
Registered sex offender Richard Cox has not been charged with any crimes in Fairfax County.
Arlington County Adult Detention Center[/caption] Miyares believes Cox’s behavior was deliberate and systematic, involving detailed planning such as tracking children’s activities at gyms and aquatic centers. He expressed frustration that, even after child pornography and swim class schedules were found on Cox’s device, the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney declined to press charges. According to Miyares, county policies regarding gender identity and inconsistent enforcement enabled Cox’s offending to continue and cross over into neighboring jurisdictions. Other public officials have criticized such policies, arguing that allowing biological males in girls’ locker rooms has facilitated repeated offences and made vulnerable girls more accessible targets. Miyares has warned that continued inaction puts the community at risk, especially young girls, and is seeking authority to intervene in cases where local prosecutors decline to act. The situation underscores the tension between criminal justice, local policy, and gender identity issues, and brings renewed focus to how cities and counties address the safety of their residents in public spaces.
Registered sex offender Richard Cox has not been charged with any crimes in Fairfax County.Arlington County Adult Detention Center[/caption] Miyares believes Cox’s behavior was deliberate and systematic, involving detailed planning such as tracking children’s activities at gyms and aquatic centers. He expressed frustration that, even after child pornography and swim class schedules were found on Cox’s device, the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney declined to press charges. According to Miyares, county policies regarding gender identity and inconsistent enforcement enabled Cox’s offending to continue and cross over into neighboring jurisdictions. Other public officials have criticized such policies, arguing that allowing biological males in girls’ locker rooms has facilitated repeated offences and made vulnerable girls more accessible targets. Miyares has warned that continued inaction puts the community at risk, especially young girls, and is seeking authority to intervene in cases where local prosecutors decline to act. The situation underscores the tension between criminal justice, local policy, and gender identity issues, and brings renewed focus to how cities and counties address the safety of their residents in public spaces.