WALDORF, Md. — A 19-year-old man from Accokeek, Jalen Andre Simon, has been charged by detectives from Charles County in relation to three reported incidents of groping women, one of which occurred at a store in Waldorf. Authorities suspect that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
On Thursday, October 8, Simon was taken into custody by the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. He faces charges of fourth-degree sexual assault and disorderly conduct, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s office on October 9. Following a court appearance, a judge permitted Simon’s release on electronic monitoring from the Charles County Detention Center.
The investigation traces back to July when officers were dispatched to a business in Waldorf after a report that a man had groped a woman during her shopping experience. Two additional incidents were reported in September, although the sheriff’s office did not disclose the locations of these occurrences or confirm whether they took place in the same store.
Through their investigation, officers managed to identify Simon as a suspect. Subsequently, they executed a search warrant at his residence in Accokeek, aided by the Prince George’s County Police Department.
The sheriff’s office has indicated that the investigation is still active and has urged anyone with relevant information or those who may have also been victims to reach out to Detective Bagwell at 301-609-6501.
Understanding the Charges
According to Maryland law, fourth-degree sexual assault pertains to unwanted sexual contact that does not involve force or other defining circumstances of more severe offenses. This charge is classified as a misdemeanor. A first-time offender faces the possibility of up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both; repeat offenders could serve up to three years. Additionally, charges for disorderly conduct may result in up to 60 days in jail and a maximum $500 fine. The sheriff’s office has not disclosed the exact number of charges against Simon, and it is important to note that charges are merely allegations, with Simon presumed innocent until proven guilty.
With Simon under electronic monitoring, he remains out of custody but is subject to location tracking as the case moves forward. The sheriff’s office has not provided details regarding any further conditions of his release.
This arrest is not the first of its kind in Waldorf this year. In April, a 34-year-old man from Oxon Hill was charged after a woman reported being inappropriately touched inside a store at the Festival Way Shopping Center. However, the sheriff’s office has not linked this case to Simon’s situation.
Individuals who have experienced sexual assault in Charles County can access confidential assistance from the Center for Abused Persons, which provides counseling, advocacy, and support groups. Their crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day at 301-645-3336.
Incentives are offered by Charles County Crime Solvers, which may provide rewards of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anonymous tips can be reported at 1-866-411-TIPS, on the website CharlesCountyCrimeSolvers.com , or through the P3 Tips app.
