Cobb District Attorney Vic Reynolds announces that a Mableton man who strangled and tried to rape a woman in her backyard has been sentenced to 40 years.

Late last month, Joshua Abdual Jacobs, 23, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, attempted rape and false imprisonment.

On the afternoon of Aug. 13, 2015, the woman, who was about 60 at the time, was gardening in the backyard of her Mableton home when she was grabbed around her neck from behind and strangled until she passed out. When she came to, she was on the ground with her shorts around her ankles and a male on top of her simulating sexual movements. When he noticed her awakening, he fled on foot, but she was able recognize her assailant from around the neighborhood. 

“While the trauma that was inflicted on the victim cannot be undone, this sentence holds the offender accountable for his predatory actions and serves to protect our community,” ADA Courtney Veal said. “We are hopeful that the sentence imposed by the Judge will provide closure and healing to the victim as she moves forward.”

After accepting the non-negotiated plea, Cobb Superior Court Judge A. Gregory Poole described the attack as a woman’s worst nightmare and sentenced Jacobs to 40 years, with 18 years to serve in prison and the rest on probation.  

Marietta attorney John Hildebrand represented Jacobs.

Cobb Police investigated this case.