Monte Rio Therapist Accused Of Lewd Acts With Boy, 14

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Sonoma County-based marriage and family therapist was arrested this week by Sonoma County sheriff's detectives on suspicion of committing lewd acts with an underage boy. Sheriff's officials say they began investigating 67-year-old Jeffrey Steven Cotton, of Monte Rio, Oct. 15 when a 14-year-old boy reported to authorities that over a span of six months, Cotton allegedly provided the teen with marijuana, then sexually assaulted him.

The boy was being seen by Cotton in his role as a therapist when the alleged acts took place, according to the sheriff's office.

"The victim was in fear of getting in trouble so he kept this private until now," sheriff's officials said. "The victim believes Cotton has possibly abused other minors due to his profession and his access to minors."

Detectives began looking into the boy's claims and concluded there was evidence to believe Cotton did in fact sexually assault the victim, sheriff's officials alleged in a news release Monday.

Cotton was arrested at his Monte Rio home and was booked into Sonoma County jail on $30,000 bail, according to the sheriff's office.

Late Tuesday afternoon, jail records indicated Cotton was no longer in custody.

The case against Cotton remains under investigation; anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to call detectives at 707-565-4300.

Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone