MD Elementary School Teacher Charged With Sexually Assaulting Teen

PRINCESS ANNE, MD — An Eastern Shore elementary school teacher who also works as a barber has been charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old at a Somerset County barbershop, according to Maryland State Police.

Maurice Cotton Sr., 61, of Westover, was arrested Tuesday and charged with 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.

Cotton is a teacher at East Salisbury Elementary School and works as a barber in Princess Anne, according to state police.

Investigators received a report on Oct. 3 that a 16-year-old had been subjected to an unwanted sexual assault at a barbershop in Princess Anne. Police believe Cotton and the teenager knew each other.

The Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division's Eastern Region investigated the report and consulted with the Somerset County State's Attorney's Office before filing charges.

Police have not released the teenager's identity or additional details about the reported assault.

Investigators are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Cotton, or who has information about the case, to contact Sgt. Jonathan Pruitt at 443-260-3700. Calls will remain confidential.

The investigation remains ongoing.