HARTWELL, Ga. — A Hart County jury has found Jeremy Green guilty on all counts in a sex-crimes case involving one of his former gymnastics students, and a judge sentenced him to two life sentences plus 89 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
The convictions stem from charges related to sexual abuse and grooming, including two counts of child molestation, one count of aggravated child molestation, one count of enticing a child, one count of statutory rape and one count of sexual exploitation of a child.
The verdict followed a multi-day trial in Hart County Superior Court that drew significant public attention. Prosecutors presented evidence they said showed Green used his position of trust to groom and abuse a minor. Defense attorneys challenged the state’s case and elements of the investigation.
After deliberating, jurors returned guilty verdicts on all counts. It was not immediately known whether Green plans to appeal. Any appeal would be filed through Georgia’s appellate courts.
Jennifer Cobb’s story and Susan Cobb’s advocacy
Jennifer Cobb was known for her generosity, warmth and devotion, her family has said. A talented gymnast with dreams of one day competing at the Olympic level, she began participating in programs through her local YMCA at age 11, according to her family.
But her life took a tragic turn after she was groomed and abused by a coach who was significantly older. Her family has said she endured years of sexual abuse before coming forward to report it — leading the family to pursue both criminal charges and a civil lawsuit against her alleged abuser and the YMCA.
Although the family later reached a settlement with the YMCA, they say justice for Cobb in life was never fully realized. She was found dead in 2021 in what authorities have described as a suspected suicide — a loss that devastated her family and friends.
For Cobb’s family and supporters, the verdict and sentence represent a significant moment in a yearslong pursuit of justice — and part of a broader effort to bring attention to the lasting impact of abuse and the need for stronger protections for children.
Following her death, her mother, Susan Cobb, emerged as an advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking, often speaking publicly about her daughter’s case and pushing for stronger legal protections. She was among survivors and advocates at the Georgia Capitol in 2024 when Gov. Brian Kemp signed a trio of bills aimed at increasing protections for sexual abuse and trafficking survivors, including legislation creating a felony offense for grooming a minor.
Cobb also opposed more recent legislative efforts to overhaul Georgia’s civil litigation system — arguing that proposed limits on lawsuits could shield entities or individuals responsible for enabling abuse from accountability and make it harder for survivors to seek justice.
“This has been a long and painful journey for our family,” her family wrote on the website “Justice for Jennifer Cobb,” thanking supporters who stood by them as the legal process unfolded.
Trial follows years of community attention
The trial in Hart County drew significant attention from community members and supporters who filled the courtroom at times to follow proceedings.
The verdict and sentence bring the trial phase to a close, though the legal and emotional aftermath for the family is likely to continue. If Green files post-trial motions or an appeal, additional proceedings could take place in Georgia’s appellate courts.
For Cobb’s family, the verdict marks a significant moment in their yearslong pursuit of justice — one tied not only to the circumstances of her death but also to broader conversations about survivors’ rights and legal protections in Georgia.
