William Eric Cooper, a former member of the Georgia National Guard, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to produce sexually explicit images. The sentencing took place in Rome, Georgia.
“Cooper is a predator who deserves this significant sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Through quick and excellent work, our law enforcement partners rescued an exploited child, exposed Cooper’s deviant conduct, and brought a sex offender to justice.”
“William Cooper is a dangerous predator who attempted to exploit a vulnerable child,” said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia. “Thanks to swift law enforcement action, we ensured that he will face the full consequences of his horrific actions.”
Court documents state that in February 2025, FBI agents in North Carolina rescued a 15-year-old girl who had been abducted and raped. The investigation revealed that before her kidnapping, Cooper exchanged more than 1,000 text messages with the minor in which he discussed plans to meet her for sex and encouraged her to create sexually explicit videos for him. In March 2025, after arresting Cooper and searching his home, agents found over 250 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse on his cell phone.
At the time of these offenses, Cooper was employed by the Georgia National Guard. After his arrest, he received an Other than Honorable discharge from military service.
U.S. District Judge William M. Ray II sentenced Cooper—who pleaded guilty on August 25, 2025—to ten years in federal prison followed by ten years of supervised release and imposed a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with help from the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office. U.S. Attorney Hertzberg and Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin A. Leipold III prosecuted the case.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched in February 2006 aimed at protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. The project brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute those who exploit children online.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia handled this case as part of its role as the main federal law enforcement agency for north Georgia (https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga). The office enforces federal criminal laws, represents the government in civil matters, coordinates cases with national or international impact (https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga), and works closely with law enforcement partners to protect public safety throughout its region (https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga).
For further information about Project Safe Childhood visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.
