Man arrested in Polk County, Florida on Jan. 3, awaits extradition to Orlando after admitting to sex crimes against minors

Timothy Bernard Cooper admitted to the molestation and sexual battery of multiple children his wife babysat in the couple’s Orlando home

Cooper, 39, has been charged with sexual battery against four minors in his wife’s care, and possession of child pornography

One victim came forward last year after Cooper had touched her in 2019, at the age of 12 

Cooper was also a manager at Denny’s restaurant in Davenport 

Cops believing there may have been more victims over the years, asked parents or guardians of children to come forward

A 39-year-old Orlando man was arrested on sexual battery charges of four children his wife babysat as police warn there may be more victims.
The suspect, Timothy Bernard Cooper, was arrested on January 3 on charges of lewd and lascivious conduct, sexual battery, lewd molestation of a victim under 12, and possession of child pornography.
Cooper’s wife, who wasn’t identified, would watch the children at his Orange County home and allegedly touch them while they were asleep, a police source said.
Detectives began investigations on on March 11, after a then 12-year-old victim informed the mother about inappropriate touching by the suspect,at Cooper’s home in 2019.
The victim told investigators that they were asleep on a mattress in the living room of Cooper’s home when he began touching them.
Detectives said the victim told them when they told Cooper “No,” he ran out of the room.

Police said they interviewed four victims leading up to Cooper’s arrest and the suspect ‘fully confessed’ to investigators.
‘Unfortunately, Cooper may have had additional victims due to children being babysat within his residence over the past several years,’ police said.
At the time of his arrest, Cooper was working a shift manager at Denny’s restaurant in Polk County.
Police said the investigation started in March 2022 when a mother of a now 12-year-old reported Cooper had touched her daughter inappropriately in 2019, according to WFTV.
The victim held onto the secret until recently when she confessed Cooper approached her while she was asleep on his living room mattress.
Once the victim woke up and told Cooper ‘no,’ he immediately ran, the news outlet reported. 
The investigation progressed leading into December when investigators uncovered Cooper’s three other victims. 
It’s unclear if any other victims came forward.

Cooper is currently serving time at Polk County Jail until he is extradited to Orange County where he lives. 
Police are asking parents or guardians of children Cooper’s wife watched to come forward if they believe their child was a victim. 
The Orlando Police Department victims unit can be reached at 321-235-5300.