Jeremiah Cotton arrested in Pea Ridge minor sexual assault case
Jeremiah Cotton was arrested by police in Pea Ridge on felony sexual assault allegations involving a minor. He was released from jail on bond ahead of an upcoming court date. Officers booked him into the Benton County Detention Center on Sept. 21.
The Pea Ridge Police Department arrested Cotton, 37, on a $50,000 bond. Court records show he posted bond on Sept. 23. His next court hearing is set for Oct. 26.
Cotton faces several charges:
- Second-degree sexual assault (felony)
- First-degree knowingly furnishing or selling alcohol to minor (misdemeanor)
- Contributing to delinquency of a minor (misdemeanor)
Cotton is accused of assaulting a female minor in July. An individual contacted police on July 18 to share details from the alleged victim, an affidavit for probable cause states.
The alleged victim spoke during interviews with law enforcement and child advocacy center staff. Cotton invited her to his residence to watch a movie, according to the affidavit. He insisted they watch the movie in his bedroom.
In the bedroom, Cotton allegedly gave the minor a “margarita-type drink,” the affidavit states. He is accused of touching her breasts. He also placed his hand down her pants, according to court documents.
The alleged victim excused herself to go to the bathroom. Her brother was downstairs during the incident. He helped her leave the home.
The minor told her mother. Her mother confronted Cotton about the allegations. Cotton called the alleged victim three times, according to the affidavit. He said in one call that it “probably wasn’t a good idea” to have her in his bed.
Witnesses told police Cotton volunteered at a local church. He attended for about a year and volunteered for six months, according to the affidavit.
His volunteer duties at the church included:
- Assisting the youth pastor
- Managing slides and lyrics
- Playing games with students
- Monitoring safety and locking doors
- Checking in students
Church officials told investigators they ran a background check on Cotton before hiring him. The church cooperated fully during the investigation, the affidavit states.
Probable cause affidavits outline the evidence that investigators gather before filing criminal charges in court. Defendants remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Cases involving felony allegations proceed through the Benton County circuit court system.
Cotton will appear before a judge in Pea Ridge for his scheduled October court hearing.
