Accused serial child molester dated mothers to get close to their children, deputies say

Investigators identify 4 alleged victims of Robert Cook

SAN JACINTO COUNTY – A serial child predator has been arrested, according to the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office.

Robert Howard Cook II, 24, of Shepherd, is charged with first degree continuous sexual abuse of a child or children. The charge is a felony.

A sheriff's office detective began investigating Cook late last year.  The sheriff's office said investigators found that Cook had been involved in the sexual abuse of children since 2012. Investigators said there were at least four victims, all under the age of 14.

Investigators believe that Cook dated the victims' mothers to get close to the children. They also believe he would rent the single mothers a mobile home he owned, which is located on his property.

Investigators believe 12- and 13-year-old boys along with 5- and 6-year-old half sisters are among his victims.

Cook was indicted last month and arrested on Sept. 2. He is being held in the San Jacinto County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Investigators believe that Cook might have had more victims. If anyone has information of additional victims, contact Sergeant Amy McCorkle at the San Jacinto County Sheriff's Office at 936-653-4367.