News Summary
Robert Collier, a 32-year-old man, has been arrested following multiple incidents of indecent exposure and assault at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library in Memphis. Collier allegedly harassed children in the library’s bathroom over several weeks, leading to heightened community concerns about public safety. With a history of sexual offenses, his actions have sparked discussions about the need for better security in public spaces. Local authorities are now under pressure to enhance protective measures for children.
MEMPHIS โ A 32-year-old man named Robert Collier has been arrested by the Memphis Police Department (MPD) and U.S. Marshals after being charged with multiple counts of indecent exposure and assault, following two alarming incidents at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library that involved children.
The incidents occurred in late April and mid-May 2025. The first incident took place on April 28, when Collier allegedly followed a 10-year-old boy into the bathroom of the library. According to reports, while in the bathroom, Collier entered a stall next to the boy, knelt down, and exposed his genitals below the partition while engaging in inappropriate conduct.
Collier reportedly returned to the library on May 14, where two boys notified a security guard about a man who was seen masturbating in the bathroom. Upon entering the bathroom, the security guard encountered Collier in an open stall committing the same act. When confronted and told to leave the premises, Collier responded by throwing a chair at the security guard and attempting to punch him. The guard then used pepper spray in self-defense, and Collier fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after.
Collierโs arrest marks a serious escalation in his history of offenses; he is a convicted sex offender with a prior arrest in May 2018 for exposing himself to a child. The surveillance footage from the library corroborated Collier’s actions during both incidents, leading to the decision for his arrest.
This series of events has heightened concerns in the community regarding the safety of public spaces, especially for children. Parents and community members have expressed their worries about the access and safety of children at public facilities, with many calling for increased vigilance and better security measures in such environments.
The broader context of these incidents emphasizes the ongoing challenge of safeguarding children from sexual offenders in public spaces. Local authorities are under pressure to enhance measures to protect vulnerable populations, and the incidents at the Memphis library have sparked conversations about the adequacy of existing safety protocols in community facilities.
The arrest of Robert Collier occurred amid a sunny day in Memphis with a high temperature of 84ยฐF and winds from the west-northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour. As the investigation continues, community leaders are expected to reassess safety procedures in various public venues to prevent incidents of this nature from occurring in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Fox13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Indecent Exposure
- Local Memphis
- Google Search: Robert Collier indecent exposure
- WREG News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sex Offense
- Hoodline
- Google News: Memphis Library indecent exposure
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
