Sex Offender’s Court Complaint Raises Eyebrows
A registered sex offender, Richard Cox, has reportedly expressed in court that prosecutors have misinterpreted his situation. This comes after allegations that he exposed himself to women and children over several months in Virginia school facilities.
Cox was arrested in December 2024 for an incident in a community pool’s women’s locker room, which is associated with Washington Riverty High School in Arlington, Virginia. In court, he complained that the prosecutors were incorrect in referring to him as a man. The judge, however, denied his request to be addressed as a woman.
Cox is classified as a Tier III Registered Sex Offender, having been charged in 1992 for indecent exposure. His justification for using women’s changing areas stems from his claim of gender identity. Arlington Public Schools (APS), responsible for the facilities where these incidents occurred, has a policy that permits individuals to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity rather than their biological sex.
Despite the ongoing controversy, APS seems committed to maintaining its “inclusive” policies, allowing men access to women’s spaces. Following these events, several residents spoke at a school board meeting, urging the district to continue upholding policies that, arguably, could protect sex offenders.
Additionally, Arlington GOP has claimed the district was aware of Cox prior to his arrest. He had faced earlier charges in June 2024 for similar behavior in a women’s locker room at Planet Fitness but the prosecution was dropped after he claimed a legal gender change.
Cox is currently dealing with multiple charges, including indecent exposure and offenses associated with being a registered sex offender in both Arlington and Fairfax counties.
In related news, the Department of Education found APS and several nearby districts in violation of civil rights laws, suggesting that their policies could infringe on women’s rights. Despite this, APS has affirmed its commitment to inclusion and equity within the community.
“Arlington Public Schools will continue to foster an inclusive environment for all, including those identifying as members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” the district stated in response to the findings.
