A 19-year-old Accokeek man was arrested Thursday after investigators tied him to three separate reports of groping and assault across Charles County dating back to the summer. Jalen Andre Simon now faces charges of fourth-degree sexual assault and disorderly conduct, and detectives say they are still trying to determine whether there are more victims out there.
According to smnewsnet.com, detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division arrested Simon on October 8 following an investigation into three reported incidents involving groping and assault. The earliest known report traces back to July, when officers responded to a business in Waldorf after a male reportedly groped a woman while she was shopping, the outlet reports.
Two more cases surfaced in September, and this time investigators were able to pin down a suspect. Officers and detectives positively identified Simon, and a search warrant was served at his residence with assistance from the Prince George's County Police Department, per the same report from the BayNet. The warrant service at his Accokeek home, also carried out with help from Prince George's County Police, was separately confirmed by Daily Voice.
Charges and a Fast Release
Simon was booked on charges of fourth-degree sexual assault and disorderly conduct following his arrest. Under Maryland law, fourth-degree sexual offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, according to the Maryland General Assembly's statute text. The state's disorderly conduct statute, meanwhile, bars willfully acting in a manner that disturbs the public peace, including obstructing another person's free passage in a public place or on public transportation, per the same legislative text.
Just one day after his arrest, Simon was released from the Charles County Detention Center on electronic monitoring. Charles County courts ordered the release on October 9, the station notes, while the same date and outcome were reported separately by Daily Voice.
Investigation Still Open
Detectives say the case is far from closed. The investigation remains active, and detectives are looking into whether there may be additional victims, the station reports. Anyone who believes they may have been targeted, or who has information about the case, is asked to contact Detective Bagwell at 301-609-6501.
The case adds to a string of incidents that, per the reports reviewed, unfolded over roughly three months before an arrest was made. With the investigation still open, it remains unclear whether more reports will surface as detectives continue working the case.
