Maryland teacher / barber, 61, arrested in sexual assault investigation involving teen
PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – On October 21, police in Maryland announced thata 61-year-old Somerset County man who works as both an elementary school teacher and a barber was arrested following an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old at a barbershop in Princess Anne earlier this month.
Maurice Cotton Sr., of Westover, Maryland, was taken into custody at approximately 1 p.m. Tuesday, October 20. He faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree assault and fourth-degree sexual offense. He is being held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center.
According to investigators, Maryland State Police received a report on October 3 alleging that a 16-year-old had been subjected to unwanted sexual contact at a Princess Anne barbershop. Police said Cotton and the teenager were acquaintances. The victim’s identity has not been released.
The investigation was conducted by the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division’s Eastern Region. After consulting with the Somerset County State’s Attorney’s Office, investigators filed charges against Cotton.
Police identified Cotton as a teacher at East Salisbury Elementary School and a barber in Princess Anne. Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Cotton, or who has information relevant to the investigation, to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Sgt. Jonathan Pruitt at jonathan.pruitt@maryland.gov or 443-260-3700. Police say calls will remain confidential.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The charges are allegations, and Cotton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
(Maurice Cotton Sr – 61 – Westover, MD)
(Source and booking photo: Maryland State Police)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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