West Sonoma County therapist, 66, suspected of sexually assaulting 14-year old boy

Sonoma County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a 66-year-old Monte Rio man suspected of sexually assaulting a teenager, authorities announced Monday.

Jeffrey Steven Cotton, a marriage and family therapist, was arrested following an investigation that began Oct. 15 when a ?14-year old boy reported being the victim of lewd acts, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The boy said he was seen for six months by Cotton, who gave marijuana to the teenager and eventually sexually assaulted him, the Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Upon investigating the claims, Sheriff’s detectives felt there was evidence to believe Cotton sexually assaulted the victim, the release said.

Cotton was arrested at his Monte Rio home and booked late Monday afternoon into the Sonoma County Jail, where he is being held on $30,000 bail. He is due to appear in a Sonoma County courtroom Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.

Cotton’s website says he is a trainer with the National Foster Parent Association who has spent many years working with children and families, and that he conducts seminars for foster families, group homes and schools across the country.

According to Cotton’s website, his trainings deal with “dark and traumatic” incidents such as “physical, sexual abuse, abandonment, neglect and betrayal.” The website describes his trainings as offering “a unique opportunity to gain great insights while looking at situations through the lens of wisdom and humor.”

Because of Cotton’s profession and access to minors, the victim believes the therapist may have sexually assaulted others as well, the Sheriff’s Office said. Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact detectives at 707-565-4300.