An Alabama dentist was recently sentenced to 180 years in prison for sexually abusing patients and staff, WBMA reported April 3.
Joseph Clarence Cox, DMD, was arrested in April 2021 after an investigation by the Gadsden Police Department. During the case's trial, evidence was shown of a large employee turnover at Dr. Cox's office between June 2020 and April 2021 due to his inappropriate behavior. Several former employees and patients also testified to Dr. Cox's sexual abuse at his practice.
Dr. Cox was found guilty in January of two counts of rape in the first degree, two counts of sodomy in the first degree and eight counts of sexual abuse in the first degree, WBMA reported.
Dr. Cox also previously pleaded guilty to three counts of harassment in 2012 for similar allegations, which resulted in a probation sentence and his dental license being suspended for 6 months.