Miami-Dade police officer inappropriately touches teen boy, police say

Sgt. James Edwards, 47, charged with lewd, lascivious behavior with minor, exhibition

MIAMI – A 25-year Miami-Dade police officer is behind bars after inappropriately touching a teenage boy, police said.

Sgt. James Edwards, 47, is charged with lewd and lascivious behavior with a minor and exhibition.

Edwards appeared in bond court Wednesday morning, and both the judge and attorney said they already knew Edwards.

According to the police report, Edwards knew a woman with a 15-year-old son and a 16-year-old son. Officers said Edwards invited the teens over to his home one day to help with landscaping, but instead provided them with alcohol, marijuana and the drug Molly.

Police said after the 15-year-old took one Molly pill and Edwards took the other, he turned on porn for them to watch. That's when Edwards allegedly inappropriately caressed the teen on his chest, arms and back and began masturbating over his shorts in front of him.

Police said the teen ran off and reported the incident. Edwards allegedly admitted to the allegations against him during a taped phone call with the victim.

Edwards is being held in jail on $85,000 bond. A judge also ordered him to be placed on house arrest, with no internet access. He will also not be allowed to have any contact with minors.

Click here to read the arrest affidavit for Edwards.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.