A former police captain from League City, Texas, has been indicted on several charges related to child exploitation offenses. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced that Daryn Edwards, 59, was arrested and is making his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo.
A federal grand jury in Galveston returned a five-count indictment against Edwards on November 18. The charges include two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, which carry potential sentences of up to life in prison if convicted. Edwards also faces two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography, with possible sentences of 20 years and 10 years respectively. He could also face a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Texas City office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Valenti is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse across the country. PSC brings together federal, state, and local resources to find and prosecute those who exploit children and to identify victims.
“An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law,” according to the announcement.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood or internet safety education resources, visit DOJ’s PSC page.
