---
title: Somerset County Man Arrested Following Sexual Assault Investigation, State Police Say
canonical: https://marylandfeed.com/somerset-county-man-arrested-following-sexual-assault-investigation-state-police-say/
published: '2026-10-21T09:03:46-04:00'
updated: '2026-10-21T09:03:46-04:00'
author: MarylandFeed Staff
section: Public Safety
tags:
- Maryland State Police
- Public Safety
- Crime
source: Maryland State Police
source_url: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/about-us/newsroom/maryland-state-police-arrest-somerset-county-man-following-sexual-assault-investigation
publisher: MarylandFeed
attribution: Copyright MarylandFeed. Quote with credit to MarylandFeed and a link to the canonical URL above.
---

# Somerset County Man Arrested Following Sexual Assault Investigation, State Police Say

Maryland State Police arrested Maurice Cotton Sr., 61, of Westover, Maryland, on October 20, 2026, in connection with a reported sexual assault of a 16-year-old at a barbershop in Princess Anne earlier this month. Cotton is charged with sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree assault, and fourth-degree sexual offense.

According to police, the victim and Cotton were acquaintances. Cotton is currently held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center.

---

### Press Release: Maryland State Police

*Published October 21, 2026. Reproduced in full from the [Maryland State Police](https://mdsp.maryland.gov/about-us/newsroom/maryland-state-police-arrest-somerset-county-man-following-sexual-assault-investigation).*

#### Maryland State Police Arrest Somerset County Man Following Sexual Assault Investigation

(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 jonathan.pruitt@maryland.gov or 443-260-3700. Calls will remain confidential.

The investigation continues.

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Source: [Maryland State Police](https://mdsp.maryland.gov/about-us/newsroom/maryland-state-police-arrest-somerset-county-man-following-sexual-assault-investigation)