Virginia sex offender caught exposing themselves at schools and gyms: police

A registered sex offender is facing a string of charges following multiple incidents at sports facilities and schools in Arlington County, according to police.

Registered sex offender arrested

The backstory:

Richard K. Cox, 58, who identifies as a woman, according to court documents, has no fixed address. Cox was arrested on December 6, 2024, at the Barcroft Sports & Fitness Center after police responded to a trespassing report. 

Officers found out that Cox had entered the women’s locker room, and during their investigation, Cox provided false identification. 

Richard K. Cox, 58, of no fixed address. Photo via Arlington County Police Department.

Authorities later confirmed Cox’s status as a registered sex offender.

Alleged exposures at Arlington schools, sports facilities

Timeline:

Following the Dec. 6 arrest, detectives charged Cox with two counts of sex offender loitering near schools, day cares, parks, or playgrounds and identity theft. 

Investigators revealed Cox had entered the Barcroft facility on November 30 and, on December 2, allegedly exposed his genitals in the women’s locker room in the presence of an adult and two children. 

These actions resulted in additional charges of indecent exposure and two counts of indecent liberties with children.

Further investigation connected Cox to an October 21 incident at Washington-Liberty High School. Police say a victim reported seeing Cox expose themselves in the women’s locker room around 6:45 p.m. before they left. 

Cox was subsequently charged with indecent exposure, loitering near a school, and being a sex offender on school property for that incident.

Additionally, detectives uncovered crimes at Wakefield High School’s swimming pool and women’s locker room in October and November. 

Cox now faces two counts of indecent exposure, two counts of being a sex offender on school property, and five counts of sex offender loitering near schools or other restricted areas related to those incidents.

What they're saying:

Arlington Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Francisco Durán emailed families on Wednesday addressing their concerns. 

"We are fully committed to ensuring our environments and shared spaces balance the need to welcome community members to our pools, from our youngest residents to our most senior, while also maintaining critical safety measures," the message reads. "The incidents did not occur during school hours and while part of the same facility, school and pool entrances and exits are separate. Immediately upon discovery that the individual was a registered sex offender, APS personnel banned, prohibited the individual from using any of the aquatic centers, notified law enforcement, and the individual has since been taken into custody. 

"When APS staff and members of the school board were contacted about the incidents, action was taken to address community concerns," Dr. Duran continued. "Additional signage was added in our aquatic centers and guidance was provided to patrons about facility usage. We will continue to review and adjust our security protocols for signing in and work with our government partners across the county to prevent incidents like this from occurring again … Arlington Public Schools will continue to foster an inclusive community for all, including members who identify as members of LGBTQ+ community."

Ongoing investigation

Cox remains in custody at the Arlington County Detention Facility as authorities continue their investigation. Arlington County Police are urging anyone with information regarding these incidents or other possible offenses involving Cox to contact detectives.

The Source: The information in this report comes from the Arlington County Police Department. 

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