Former Bradenton postal worker found guilty of sexual battery, faces life in prison

BRADENTON -- A former Bradenton postal worker faces life in prison after being found guilty Thursday of sexual battery on two girls more than 20 years ago.

Dan Cobbs Jr., 51, was convicted of two counts of sexual battery with a weapon on victims more than 12 years old. The victims were attacked multiple times by Cobbs over the course of about two years in the mid-1990s.

One victim was between the ages of 13 and 15, and the other victim was between the ages of 12 and 14 at the time of the abuse.

Numerous times, Cobbs pointed a gun at the victims and said he would blow their heads off if they told anyone, according to investigators.

The jury reached its verdict after deliberating about three hours Thursday.

Cobbs was remanded into custody and will be sentenced May 13.

Outside the courthouse, the victims said they were relieved.

"Justice was served," said the victims and their loved ones.

Assistant State Attorney Cynthia Evers said it is unfortunate the victims didn't have the support of either of their parents during the trial, each having died.

"I just think it's important for the public to know what will happen when you abuse children," Evers said. "You will go to prison for a very long time."

Cobbs was arrested Feb. 19, 2015, and had been cooperative with investigators when questioned about the accusations, but adamantly denied ever having sex with either girl.

Cobbs had no criminal history prior to this case.

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. You can follow her on Twitter@JDeLeon1012.

This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 11:15 PM with the headline "Former Bradenton postal worker found guilty of sexual battery, faces life in prison ."