LANDOVER HILLS, Md. — A teacher at Cooper Lane Elementary School is in police custody, facing numerous felony charges, including sexually abusing a former student and possession of child pornography.
(Editor's note: This story contains details that readers may find disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised)
Mark Cobb, 44, of Bowie was arrested Monday on the first day of school. Police searched his home, finding "several hundred files depicting child pornography" on several electronics, and several pairs of used children's underwear individually sealed in plastic bags.
On Sunday, detectives with the Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit were made aware of a 9-year-old former student of Cobb's, who claimed to be a victim of sexual abuse. Investigators say Cobb is accused of texting with the child between June 2023 and August 2024. During this time, he asked the girl for, and received, sexually inappropriate photos of herself.
Cobb is charged with sexual abuse of a minor, nine counts of possession of child pornography and possession of child pornography with the intent to promote and distribute. He is due in court Wednesday for bail review and will have a preliminary hearing on Sept. 27.
According to charging documents, the victim told investigators that she would communicate with Cobb through text messages and the online game, Roblox. She told police Cobb texted he wanted to "taste her." When Cobb was interviewed by investigators, charging documents indicate he admitted he was the girl's teacher when she was in second and third grades and that when he texted her he wanted to see, "how far she would go."
Cobb is listed as a testing coordinator at Cooper Lane. The school serves students in grades pre-k through sixth grade.
At this time, detectives have not discovered any additional victims at the school but urge anyone with information relevant to this case to call CVAA detectives at 301-772-4930.
WUSA9 reached out for a statement from the elementary school, but they declined to comment on personnel matters. A letter sent to parents from principal Dr. Micah Pate says the school is cooperating with police investigations.
"We understand the recent news surrounding a Prince George’s Police Department investigation connected to Prince George’s County Public Schools staff is deeply unsettling," Pate wrote. "I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority, and any behavior that brings harm to a student will not be tolerated."
The principal added that a counseling team will be available to students and staff who need to talk.
"In light of these events, we strongly encourage parents and guardians to be vigilant about their children's digital activities and online safety," Pate continued. "Monitoring online interactions and maintaining open communication with your child about their digital habits are critical steps in keeping them safe."
Help is available for parents who are trying to figure out how to talk with their children about sexual abuse. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, also known as RAINN, has a whole page dedicated to starting conversations with your children while they are young. Click here for more information.