RBDF instructor accused of abusing young boys gets bail

A 26-year-old Royal Bahamas Defense Force drill instructor is at the center of a deeply disturbing case involving the alleged abuse of boys under his supervision at a youth camp.

Yahshua Cox was formally charged on Tuesday with seven counts of child cruelty and two counts of indecent assault after multiple boys, as young as age 11, came forward with accusations. The alleged incidents occurred during the RBDF Rangers summer program held in Eleuthera between June 30 and July 19 — a program meant to build discipline and leadership in young Bahamians.

Cox made his first court appearance before Assistant Chief Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans this week. He was not required to enter a plea and was granted $15,000 bail. The case is expected to be fast-tracked to the Supreme Court on December 8 through a voluntary bill of indictment.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious questions about oversight and accountability within youth-focused military programs.