News Flash

San Antonio, Texas, February 13, 2018: Last week, the judge of the 399^th District Court sentenced Tracy Cobbs, age 41, to confinement for life without the possibility of parole. Previously, a jury in the 399^th District Court had found Cobbs guilty on two counts of Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child for sexually abusing two girls, ages five and four.

Cobbs, who was a family friend of the girls’ parents, took the family into his home when they were going through a hard time. The girls’ mother took the girls to Cobbs’ home for shelter and lodging, but left them alone with him due to her own substance dependency. The girls’ father gained custody of the girls but left them under the care of their grandparents when he found employment out of state. Within two weeks of living with their grandparents, the girls told their grandmother about how they had been abused by Cobbs. 

Over the course of the investigation and trial preparation, Assistant District Attorneys learned of two additional victims who had been sexually assaulted by Cobbs. Additionally, Cobbs had an extensive criminal history. At trial it was shown that in 1989, Cobbs had previously committed an aggravated robbery against three individuals. One of the individuals was Mr. Greg Ferris, an ex-SAPD Officer, who owned a gun shop where the robberies took place.

During sentencing, Mr. Ferris testified about the robbery.  Prosecutors also presented evidence showing Cobbs had been on felony probation at the time he committed not only the robbery but also the sexual assaults

“I’ve said it once before and I will say it again, child abuse is one of the most disgusting acts out there and it is something that I will not tolerate,” said District Attorney Nico LaHood. “Our children are precious gifts from the Lord and we must protect them, anyone who harms children will be held accountable by our Office.”

Assistant District Attorneys Denise Hairston and Daryl Harris from the District Attorney’s Special Crimes Division prosecuted the case against Cobbs in the 399^th District Court.

Super Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child is a first degree felony, with an enhanced punishment, due to the girls’ age, punishable by a minimum of 25 years to life without parole and a $10,000.00 fine.