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Former Georgia National Guardsman Sentenced for Child Enticement
William Eric Cooper received 10 years in prison for attempting to entice a minor to produce sexually explicit images.
Published on Feb. 9, 2026
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A former member of the Georgia National Guard was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to produce sexually explicit images. William Eric Cooper, 46, of Adairsville, pleaded guilty to the charges in August 2025 after FBI agents rescued a 15-year-old girl he had abducted and raped, and found over 250 images and videos of child sexual abuse on his cellphone.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing threat of sexual predators targeting vulnerable children online and the importance of swift law enforcement action to rescue victims and bring offenders to justice. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and education to protect minors from exploitation.
The details
In February 2025, FBI agents in North Carolina rescued a 15-year-old girl who had been abducted and raped. Further investigation revealed that Cooper and the girl had exchanged over 1,000 text messages, in which Cooper discussed plans to meet the girl for sex and encouraged her to create sexually explicit videos for him. After Cooper's arrest, agents found more than 250 images and videos depicting child sexual abuse on his cellphone.
- In February 2025, FBI agents rescued a 15-year-old girl who had been abducted and raped.
- In March 2025, agents searched Cooper's home and found over 250 images and videos of child sexual abuse on his cellphone.
- On August 25, 2025, Cooper pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a child.
- On February 9, 2026, Cooper was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, 10 years of supervised release, and a $100 penalty.
The players
William Eric Cooper
A 46-year-old former member of the Georgia National Guard who was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to produce sexually explicit images.
S. Hertzberg
The U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia who stated that Cooper "is a predator who deserves this significant sentence".
Peter Ellis
The acting special agent in charge of FBI Georgia who said that "William Cooper is a dangerous predator who attempted to exploit a vulnerable child".
What they’re saying
“Cooper is a predator who deserves this significant sentence. 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.”
— S. Hertzberg, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia (Atlanta News First)
“William Cooper is a dangerous predator who attempted to exploit a vulnerable child. Thanks to swift law enforcement action, we ensured that he will face the full consequences of his horrific actions.”
— Peter Ellis, Acting special agent in charge of FBI Georgia (Atlanta News First)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing threat of sexual predators targeting vulnerable children online and the importance of swift law enforcement action to rescue victims and bring offenders to justice. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance and education to protect minors from exploitation.
