Police in Somerset County are urging victims to come forward

SOMERSET COUNTY, Md. — Authorities in Somerset County are urging potential victims to come forward following the arrest of a man accused of sexually abusing multiple children over several decades.

Keith Pruitt, 58, was arrested on April 2 in connection with a child sexual assault investigation that began in August 2024, the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office said. Three victims have been identified so far, and investigators believe there may be more.

The victims reported years of abuse, including child sexual assault, rape, and physical abuse, dating back approximately 40 years. Investigators say the offenses occurred over extended periods and involved similar patterns of abuse.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with information or who may have been a victim of Pruitt to contact Sgt. J. Fontaine of the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division at (410) 651-9225.