Tuttle Firefighter Charged With Child Sexual Abuse

Grady County District Attorney Jason Hicks has opened a child sexual abuse case against David Ray Cox, a firefighter from nearby Tuttle.

Cox is currently behind bars.

"I do believe under the circumstances," said Hicks, "that it's appropriate for this man to go to prison."

The 39-year-old Cox is accused of fondling a teenage girl.

According to court records, under questioning by investigators, Cox admitted to inappropriately touching the child.

"It's something that angers me," Hicks stated, "because I can't fathom why anyone would want to do something to a child."

Hicks says he and a team of investigators began looking into the allegations last week when the complaints against the firefighter first came to light.

In court records, the victim alleges she was molested several times over the last four years at a home in Tuttle. She also claims she was worried that Cox might hurt her if she reported the abuse.

Hicks believes Cox's job with the fire department -- a respected institution -- makes the allegations even worse.

"They are out there to protect us and protect society and, in particular, protect children," said Hicks, "and in this case, I think, it makes it that much more egregious because he did hold that position of a firefighter."

Tuttle Fire Chief Bruce Anthony declined to comment on Cox's current status with the fire department, saying he cannot discuss personnel issues.

District Attorney Hicks says Cox will have to answer for himself in court.

"We will prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law," Hicks said. "Child sexual abuse carries up to life in prison and we will prosecute and present to the court and see what happens."

Cox is being held on a $500,000 bond at the Grady County Jail.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Cox did not have an attorney to speak on his behalf.