Jeffrey Cooper, an architect and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has been convicted after a jury trial on three counts of felony little one molestation, the Los Angeles Occasions reported Friday.
The jury’s verdict got here Might 20 at Los Angeles Superior Court docket in Van Nuys. Cooper was arrested 4 years in the past and indicted on eight counts involving two kids. Choose Alan Schneider declared a mistrial on the 5 counts introduced by the second little one.
Cooper pleaded not responsible to all counts. He can be sentenced on June 1 and will face 12 years in jail. He’s being held with out bail because the choose deemed him a flight threat, in accordance with the Occasions.
Cooper has been concerned in constructing studio and sound mixing amenities and sound design for theaters. The sufferer stated that Cooper positioned himself as a musical mentor however molested her in a recording studio when she was 12 or 13.
After the decision was delivered, Dave Ring, an lawyer for the accusers, stated, “Clearly the households are disillusioned that the jury didn’t convict as to 1 sufferer, however they’re very happy to see the jury a minimum of convicted as to the second sufferer. It was extremely satisfying for them to see Cooper instantly remanded to jail for what he did. They’ve been put by nothing quick of hell over the last 4 years of prison proceedings,” in accordance with the Occasions.
Cooper was named a member of AMPAS in 2002. His conviction for a felony triggers an inside evaluate course of for the Academy, which is all however sure to finish along with his expulsion from the Hollywood establishment. The Academy, like different business organizations, has been compelled to toughen up its behavioral requirements for members within the wake of #MeToo revelations and different cultural actions.
A consultant for AMPAS didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
