A chilling shadow over west Georgia has stepped into the spotlight: Bobby Lee Hart Jr., long whispered about in survivor testimonies, has now been formally indicted by a grand jury on 18 counts. Authorities say these charges stem from alleged attacks spanning more than thirty years — and there may yet be more victims out there.
Hart, 52, already faced four rape charges. On Tuesday, prosecutors added three more counts of rape, as well as charges including kidnapping, aggravated assault, aggravated sodomy, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. The least of it: he’s now a suspected serial rapist in multiple jurisdictions.
The indictment alleges that Hart kept a weapon within arm’s reach during some assaults. He’s forbidden from owning firearms — in 2003, in DeKalb County, he was convicted of aggravated stalking. Over the years, investigators say Hart operated under several aliases — Maurice, Robert, Kevin, Champ, King, “Meat” — likely to throw off detection.
One of the most disturbing revelations: DNA evidence now links Hart to sexual assaults going back to 1989, spanning across western Georgia. Using the national DNA database (CODIS), investigators say they matched profiles from cold cases with Hart. Prosecutors believe there are additional, as-yet unidentified victims, and they’re urging anyone who might have been attacked to come forward.
Search warrants obtained by media outlets reveal even more: Hart allegedly recorded many of his assaults. He frequently used vehicles — vans, SUVs — to carry out attacks, sometimes manipulating locks (including child safety locks) so victims couldn’t escape. Among evidence collected: clothing, seat covers, photos, DVDs, and electronics.
A Douglas County judge denied Hart bond earlier this month. Families of alleged victims reportedly confronted each other in court over the decision, underscoring the anguish this case has already stirred locally. Hart’s capture followed public statements from the district attorney’s office and local news coverage, which also referred to him as the “West Georgia Monster” — a name survivors say has stuck.
The Douglas County District Attorney, Dalia Racine, has called for courage from survivors: “You are not alone,” she said, asking anyone with information — even decades-old — to come forward. The indictment marks a major turning point in a long, painful saga — but also opens a door for healing and justice for those who have remained silent.