Former Dade County High School Principal Brent Cooper Faces Rape, Child Molestation and Aggravated Sexual Battery Charges

New details have emerged in the criminal case involving former Dade County High School Principal Joseph “Brent” Cooper, who now faces serious sex crime charges involving two alleged victims, including an 8-year-old child.

According to information contained in an affidavit, Cooper faces charges of rape, child molestation and aggravated sexual battery.

The affidavit alleges that Cooper forced himself on a female victim described as being between 16 and 19 years old during a period between 2017 and 2020.

In a separate allegation, the affidavit states that Cooper committed acts of sexual battery and child molestation involving an 8-year-old victim between 2019 and 2020.

According to the affidavit, both alleged offenses occurred at a residence in Trenton, Georgia.

Georgia public property records indicate Cooper owned the residence from 2016 through 2022.

Cooper was initially arrested on October 29 on two counts of improper sexual contact by an employee, agent or foster parent, following an investigation by the Dade County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began after a school resource officer at Dade County High School received information concerning possible misconduct.

Following Cooper’s arrest, the Dade County Board of Education accepted his resignation as principal. Superintendent Josh Ingle said the school district had made required referrals to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

Cooper remains in the Dade County Jail without bond.

The Dade County Sheriff’s Office has previously encouraged anyone with additional information concerning the investigation, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, to contact its Criminal Investigations Division at [email protected].

The investigation remains active.

The allegations contained in the affidavit have not been proven in court. Cooper is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.