PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Maryland. – A teacher at Cooper Lane Elementary School in Landover Hills is in custody facing numerous charges, including sexual abuse of a minor and possession of child pornography.

PG County Teacher, Mark Cobb

The suspect is 44-year-old Mark Cobb of Bowie.

The victim is a girl under ten years old, a former student of the suspect.

Investigators were notified of the allegations against Cobb on August 25, 2024. It was later learned that the suspect had exchanged text messages with the victim between June 2023 and August 2024.

According to officials, during this time Cobb requested and received sexually explicit photographs of the victim.

Cobb was arrested on Monday. After investigators obtained a search warrant, they seized evidence at his home. He is accused of sexual abuse of a minor, nine counts of possession of child pornography and promoting the distribution of child pornography with the intent to possess.

In a letter to families at Cooper Lane Elementary School, Principal Dr. Micah Pate called the news “deeply disturbing.”

“I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority and we will not tolerate any behavior that is harmful to a student,” the letter said. “Our school is cooperating fully with law enforcement in their investigation. However, due to the nature of the investigation, we are only able to share limited information at this time.”

Dr. Pate urged parents to be vigilant about their children’s digital activities and online safety.

“Monitoring online interactions and maintaining open communication with your child about their digital habits are critical steps to their safety,” he wrote.

Investigators have not yet discovered any additional victims at the school, but are urging anyone with relevant information about this case to call CVAA investigators at 301-772-4930.

Read the letter to parents below: