Delmarva Desk: Maryland State Police have arrested a Somerset County man who works as an elementary school teacher and barber following an investigation into the reported sexual assault of a 16-year-old at a barbershop in Princess Anne.
Maurice Cotton Sr., 61, of Westover, Maryland, was arrested Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m. He faces charges of sexual abuse of a minor, second-degree assault, and fourth-degree sexual offense.
Cotton is employed as a teacher at East Salisbury Elementary School and also works as a barber in Princess Anne, according to Maryland State Police.
The investigation began October 3, when authorities received a report that a 16-year-old had been subjected to an unwanted sexual assault at a barbershop in Princess Anne officials said Wednesday.
Investigators believe Cotton and the alleged victim were acquaintances.
The Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division’s Eastern Region conducted the investigation. Following consultation with the Somerset County State’s Attorney’s Office, criminal charges were filed against Cotton.
Cotton is being held without bond at the Somerset County Detention Center.
Authorities are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Cotton, or who has information related to the investigation, to contact Sergeant Jonathan Pruitt at 443-260-3700 or [email protected].