By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

CALERA—The Calera Police Department arrested 25-year-old Earnest Cotton Jr., on May 23 and charged him with sexual abuse of a child less than 12 years old, according to his arrest warrants.

Cotton, who lists an address on Depot Drive in Calera, was arrested after he allegedly subjected “a person who is less than 12 years old to sexual contact” on May 21.

He is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

According to Alabama state law, sexual abuse of a child is a Class B felony. If convicted, Cotton could spend up to 20 years in prison.