CONYERS, Ga. — A man linked to eight sexual assault cold cases has been arrested, police said Wednesday.
Wesley Cooley, 58, was arrested near his Conyers home Feb. 24 on charges he raped a woman in Tucker on Northlake Parkway in 2017.
DNA evidence from that case links the same attacker to seven other unsolved sexual assault cases in metro Atlanta dating back to 1999, officials say.
The victims range in age from 15 to 38 years old. Four of the crimes happened in DeKalb County, two in metro Atlanta and one in Conyers, according to the DeKalb County district attorney.
“A dangerous predator whom we believe has been terrorizing women for at least two decades is off the street,” said District Attorney Sherry Boston. “This is a huge moment for the victims on whose behalf we advocate. We will continue to fight for them to seek answers and justice, no matter how long it takes.”
Cooley has been charged with felony rape in connection with the Conyers case. He faces separate charges of criminal attempt to commit a felony in connection with an attempted sexual assault that also happened in 2017.
Police believe Cooley may have more victims. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by him is asked to call the Day League’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 404-377-1428.