HOUSTON, TX – A man once celebrated for adopting nine boys now faces 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing seven of them. Chaim Cohen, 40, has been incarcerated since 2023 when the charges first emerged, and his plea ensures he will remain behind bars until he is 80, without the possibility of parole.
Cohen, whose trial was originally set to commence at the end of the month, confessed to the crimes during a court hearing. The charges stem from allegations by seven of his nine adopted sons, who reported being sexually abused throughout 2023. These revelations came to light after one of the sons, then 17, bravely spoke out on a podcast, describing the abuse and using the term rape.
The podcast disclosure prompted immediate action, with Child Protective Services (CPS) intervening to remove the boys from Cohen’s home. The teenager revealed that despite previous CPS involvement, no substantial changes occurred due to Cohen’s alleged manipulation and intimidation tactics.
This case gained significant attention, partly because Cohen and his family were previously spotlighted in the media for their unconventional family structure. Cohen, a single father, had been portrayed as a loving parent to his adopted sons, with features in magazines and a personal website that highlighted their unique lifestyle.
Adding to the family’s turmoil, Cohen’s oldest adopted son, Avshalom Cohen, faces his own legal battles, having been charged with sexually abusing several of his brothers. His case remains pending in the courts.
The prosecution has emphasized the gravity of Cohen’s offenses, noting that the plea deal reflects the serious nature of the crimes and the need for justice for the victims. Next Monday, the court will hear victim impact statements, providing the sons an opportunity to express the impact of their father’s actions on their lives.
Cohen’s case serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children in seemingly ideal situations and underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation by authorities in similar cases.
The community continues to grapple with the betrayal and trauma inflicted by a man once perceived as a hero for his commitment to providing a home for children in need. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on healing and justice for the victims.