Suspect Charged with 10 Capitol Felony Counts of Sexual Battery

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Major Crimes Unit completed an investigation relating to a former Santa Rosa County resident. During the course of the investigation, Detectives obtained enough evidence to charge Kent W. Edwards with 10 counts of Sexual Battery and 5 counts of Lewd and Lascivious behavior. The victim was a juvenile.

Edwards is alleged to have committed these crimes while he was a resident of Santa Rosa County back in 2008. Since that time, he has moved to West Virginia. The victim came forward and described to Detectives the details of the abuse which ultimately led to a signed arrest warrant by a Judge.

Our Detectives worked closely with the West Virginia State Police. On 12/30/13, Edwards was arrested in West Virginia. On 1/7/14, Edwards arrived at the Santa Rosa County Jail after his extradition process was completed.

Edwards is being held without a Bond.