Dade County High School Principal Faces Rape, Child Molestation and Aggravated Sexual Battery Charges

The principal of Dade County High School in Trenton is facing additional felony charges, including rape, child molestation and aggravated sexual battery, as investigators continue looking into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Joseph “Brent” Cooper was initially arrested Oct. 29 and charged with two counts of improper sexual contact by an employee, agent or foster parent, according to the Dade County Sheriff’s Office.

New arrest warrant affidavits obtained by WTVC NewsChannel 9 detail additional allegations involving two individuals who were minors during at least part of the time periods outlined in the warrants.

One rape allegation involves an incident or incidents investigators say occurred between Jan. 1, 2017, and June 30, 2020, at a residence on Meadowbrook Lane in Trenton. The individual identified in the warrant was reportedly between 16 and 19 years old during the period covered by the allegation.

Another warrant accuses Cooper of child molestation and aggravated sexual battery involving a child who was approximately eight years old. The alleged offenses are reported to have occurred between Aug. 13, 2019, and Aug. 13, 2020, at the same residence.

The investigation began after a school resource officer received information about possible misconduct. The Dade County Sheriff’s Office then launched an investigation that resulted in Cooper’s initial arrest.

After the arrest, Dade County Schools Superintendent Josh Ingle announced that Cooper had been placed on administrative leave. Two assistant principals were assigned to manage daily operations at the high school, with support from district administrators.

School officials have stated that the district is cooperating with law enforcement and that its priority remains providing a safe learning environment for students and staff.

The sheriff’s office has characterized the investigation as active and ongoing.

Anyone with additional information or who believes they may have been a victim is asked to contact the Dade County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 706-657-3233 or email tips@dadesheriff.com.

The charges are allegations, and Cooper is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.