A depraved dentist has been sentenced to an astounding 180 years in prison for committing acts of rape, sodomy, and abuse against both staff and patients at his dental clinic, including during their medical procedures.
Joseph Clarence Cox, 44, received the severe punishment from a judge after being found guilty by a local jury of multiple charges, including rape, sodomy, and sexual abuse involving former employees and patients.
Deputy District Attorney Carol Griffith disclosed that Cox was apprehended in April 2021 following a comprehensive investigation by the Gadsden Police Department in Alabama. The trial exposed a significant turnover rate among his staff due to Cox’s inappropriate sexual conduct with employees.
Testimonies from eight former employees detailed instances of repeated sexual abuse by Cox during office hours, with two employees recounting incidents of rape and sodomy. Additionally, three former patients testified that Cox engaged in sexual misconduct during their dental treatments.
Cox was convicted by a jury on two counts of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy, and eight counts of first-degree sexual abuse after a trial lasting a week.
Previously, Cox had admitted to three counts of Harassment in Dekalb County in 2012 after similar accusations, resulting in probation and suspension of his dental license for six months.
During sentencing, Circuit Judge George Day condemned Cox for his behavior in the workplace, describing it as disrespectful and likening it to a personal playground. Cox was given a 25-year prison term for each count of First Degree Rape and Sodomy, along with a ten-year state prison sentence for each charge of First Degree Sexual Abuse, to be served consecutively.
As a result, Cox faces a total of 180 years in prison for his crimes.
