Maryland State Police Arrest Somerset County Man Following Sexual Assault Investigation

What this means

A summary is not yet available. Publication is pending editorial review. Read the full original publication below.

Official release

Source material from Maryland State Police. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

Maryland State Police Arrest Somerset County Man Following Sexual Assault Investigation

News

|

October 21, 2026

(PRINCESS ANNE, MD) - Maryland State Police arrested a Somerset County man yesterday in connection with a reported sexual assault of a 16-year-old at a barbershop in Princess Anne earlier this month.

Maurice Cotton Sr., 61, of Westover, Maryland is charged with sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree assault, and fourth-degree sexual offense. Cotton was arrested at 1:00 p.m. yesterday. He is currently held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center.

Police believe the victim and Cotton were acquaintances. Per policy, the victim’s identity is being withheld.

On October 3, investigators received a report of a victim being subjected to an unwanted sexual assault at a barbershop in Princess Anne. The Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division – Eastern Region initiated the investigation. Following consultation with the Office of the State’s Attorney in Somerset County, charges were subsequently filed.

Cotton is a teacher at East Salisbury Elementary School and a barber in Princess Anne. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Cotton, or who has information relevant to this investigation is urged to contact Sgt. Jonathan Pruitt at [email protected] or 443-260-3700. Calls will remain confidential.

The investigation continues.

###

CONTACT: Office of Media Communications, [email protected]

Release text attributed to Maryland State Police. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.