Film Academy member convicted of child sexual abuse

Academy member Jeff Cooper was sentenced on Monday to eight years in prison for sexually abusing a child. New York Post.

In May, the architect and acoustic engineer were found guilty of three counts of indecent acts against a child. The court maintains that the crime was committed between 2005 and 2007, when the minor was between 12 and 13 years old. The girl said that the violence occurred in Cooper’s private studio.

Initially, the assailant was charged with eight counts involving two children. O Los Angeles Times claims that one of the victims who testified considered him a “mentor” and that he taught her how to play the guitar.

“Cooper abused trust and caused incredible damage to helpless victims. I know that nothing can fix the trauma they endured, but I hope the victims find peace now that this criminal case is over,” District Attorney George Gascon said.

Alan Jackson, the defendant’s attorney, said the allegations were false and motivated by the client’s wealth and status.

Cooper has been a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 2002 and is known for designing studios for film greats such as George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola and Steven Spielberg.