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Multiple life sentences given for child sexual assault

By Scott Harvey

Hopkins County – A Hopkins County judge Wednesday sentenced 39-year-old Gary Jordan Cozzens to seven life terms, the maximum punishment, for multiple counts of child sexual assault.

The sentences are to be served consecutively. Cozzens is said to have committed four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and three counts of indecency with a child last fall. The female victim; a relative of Cozzens's, is mentally challenged, and was 13 at the time of the offense.

A life sentence is considered to be 60 years, and at least half the sentence must be served in prison, meaning Cozzens will not be eligible for parole until 2039.