Virginia’s Attorney General is unequivocally denouncing the failure of county officials to take action against a predator who exploited gender identity policies to gain access to vulnerable young girls. Richard Cox, a 58-year-old registered sex offender, has been caught in multiple compromising situations, exposing himself in women’s locker rooms and targeting minors at local pools. The evidence is decidedly troubling.

Cox is no stranger to this criminal behavior. He has a long history of sexual offenses, and recent investigations revealed disturbing materials on his phone, including child pornography and schedules for girls’ swim classes. Despite these glaring red flags, Fairfax County authorities, under a Democrat-controlled board, have decided not to charge him for his predatory actions, stating there is “no probable cause.” This is an outright abdication of responsibility.

Only after his arrest in Arlington County, where he now faces numerous sex crime charges, did authorities finally act—while the predator roamed free in Fairfax. Surveillance footage clearly captures Cox entering several rec centers designated for women and children. This is no accident; this is calculated behavior.

Fairfax County’s policy allowing individuals to access facilities based on self-identified gender has enabled an environment where such egregious acts can occur. Victims, including young girls and women, suffered the consequences of these misguided policies. As Attorney General Jason Miyares pointedly stated, Cox was deliberately “hunting” children in safe spaces, covered by policies that prioritize ideology over the safety of our kids.

The Fairfax County police have been woefully ineffective, declaring a full investigation with no resultant action. Attorney General Miyares is demanding the power to prosecute in cases where local prosecutors fail. His call is a necessary response to enable stricter enforcement against those who put children at risk.

Republican board member Pat Herrity has openly criticized these policies. His outrage highlights the insane reality we face: biological males do not belong in women’s locker rooms, period. Sticking to ideological narratives at the expense of child safety is utterly unacceptable.

Cox, categorized as a Tier III sex offender—the worst classification—has a long history of offenses dating back to 1998. His latest reckless behavior included alleged incidents of spying on women in a public swimming facility connected to Washington-Liberty High School. Not only should he be held accountable, but systemic changes must occur to protect our future generations.

It is time to demand accountability and end the madness of policies that compromise the safety of our children. We need bold legislative action to ensure that our communities are safeguarded from predators like Richard Cox who exploit loopholes and weak governance to satisfy their depraved urges. The safety of our children should always come first.