Child Rapist Ordered into Custody upon Conviction

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Child Abuse Unit obtained multiple convictions against a man who sexually assaulted a nine-year-old victim. Jonathan Mitchell Cooper, 31, was convicted of three counts of Rape of a Child, three counts of Incest, and one count of Aggravated Sexual Battery. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on April 13. Each count of Rape of a Child carries a punishment between twenty-five and sixty years in prison without the possibility of parole. Upon conviction, the Judge revoked the Defendant’s bond and ordered him into custody.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney Nate Ogle explained to the jury that starting in 2013, Cooper began to molest a nine-year-old child at their home in West Knoxville. The assaults occurred approximately a dozen times over the next two years until the victim finally disclosed what had been happening to the victim’s mother. Knoxville Police Department Investigator Shaun Sakovich sent the victim to ChildHelp to be interviewed by Forensic Interviewer Nicole Mullinax where the victim disclosed in detail the assaults that had occurred over the past two years.

“Parents are supposed to protect their children not prey upon them,” said General Allen.”Because of the hard work of investigators and prosecutors in this case, this child is now safe.”

Rape of a Child is a Class A felony that carries a punishment between twenty-five and sixty years in prison without the possibility of parole. Aggravated Sexual Battery is a Class B felony that carries a punishment between eight and twelve years. Incest is a Class C felony carrying a punishment from three to six years. At sentencing, prosecutors will ask for an enhanced sentence to ensure this offender can never harm another child again.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.