Paulding DA Uncovers 25+ Victims of Alleged Serial Rapist
Alleged Serial Rapist Linked to Over 25 Victims Across Three Georgia Counties
Important: This article discusses sexual assault allegations. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org.
What Happened?
Police in three Georgia counties — Paulding, Cobb, and Douglas — have been investigating a man named Bobby Lee Hart Jr. They believe he may have sexually assaulted more than 25 women over a period of 38 years (since 1988).
Authorities held a press conference on Wednesday to ask the public for help finding even more victims who might not have come forward yet.
Who Is the Suspect?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Bobby Lee Hart Jr. |
| Known Aliases | "Meat," "King," "Champ," "Meat King" |
| Current Status | In custody in Cobb County |
| Charges | Indicted for sexual assaults in Cobb and Douglas counties |
| Father | Rev. Bobby Lee Hart Sr. (a pastor) |
Key Point: The suspect used multiple fake names, which made it harder for police to connect the cases for a long time.
How Did the Attacks Happen?
Investigators say the cases share a similar pattern:
- Targeted vulnerable women — often those in difficult situations
- Offered help — usually a ride or other assistance
- Took them to secluded places — away from other people
- Sexually assaulted them
Example: One case from 2012 in Paulding County (Hiram area) — a woman was allegedly offered a ride in Douglas County, then driven into Paulding County where the assault occurred.
Where and When Did This Happen?
- Counties: Paulding, Cobb, and Douglas (west of Atlanta)
- Main Area: Along the Georgia Highway 92 corridor
- Time Span: 1988 to present (38 years)
- Victims Identified: Over 25 so far
What Are Authorities Doing Now?
Current Legal Status
- Cobb County — Prosecution moving forward first (Hart is currently held here)
- Douglas County — Case expected to follow Cobb’s
- Paulding County — Still investigating the 2012 case; no charges filed yet
Why It Took So Long to Connect the Cases
- Victims often didn’t know his real name (only aliases like "Meat" or "Champ")
- Attacks happened across county lines, making coordination harder
- Many cases were decades old
What Does the Suspect’s Father Say?
Rev. Bobby Lee Hart Sr. spoke to FOX 5:
- "He was raised in the church." — Expressed disbelief
- Son denies the charges — "I talked with him, he said I didn’t do it"
- Praying for the victims — "Even for the one that’s saying what he done to them. I’m even praying for them. I don’t know who they are."
How Can You Help?
Call to Action: If you recognize this man, had any interaction with him, or believe you may be a victim — please contact investigators.
Contact Information
Paulding County DA’s Victim Services Unit: 770-443-7561
Your information could help:
- Identify more victims
- Connect additional cases to Hart
- Bring justice to survivors
Summary
- Bobby Lee Hart Jr. (aliases: Meat, King, Champ) is accused of serial sexual assaults spanning 38 years
- Over 25 potential victims identified across Paulding, Cobb, and Douglas counties in Georgia
- Pattern: Offered rides/help to vulnerable women → took them to secluded areas → assaulted them
- Currently in Cobb County custody; indicted there and in Douglas County
- Paulding County investigating a 2012 case (no charges yet)
- Father says son was "raised in the church" and denies allegations
- Authorities urgently seeking more victims/witnesses — call 770-443-7561
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why did it take so long to catch him?
He used fake names ("Meat," "Champ"), attacked across different counties, and targeted women who often didn’t know his real identity. Police needed time to connect the dots.
2. Is he in jail right now?
Yes. He is currently in custody in Cobb County and has been indicted (formally charged) there and in Douglas County.
3. What if I think I was a victim but it was years ago?
Still call. There is no time limit on reporting sexual assault in Georgia for many of these crimes. Your information matters.
4. Will my name be made public if I call?
Victim services units protect your privacy. You can ask about confidentiality when you call 770-443-7561.
5. How many more victims might there be?
Authorities said "over 25" have been identified so far, but they believe there could be more — that’s why they’re asking the public to come forward.
Source: FOX 5 Atlanta / WAGA-TV reporting
Original story: Alleged serial rapist arrested in west Georgia; more victims possible