A man from West Virginia, Donald Robert Wilt Edwards, Sr., aged 29, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for accusations regarding the sexual exploitation of a minor. The former resident of Baltimore faces charges including three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, distribution of child sexual abuse material, and possession of child pornography.
The announcement of the indictment was made by U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes. Joining Hayes in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, Police Commissioner Richard Worley of the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and Colonel Jack Chambers of the West Virginia State Police.
The indictment outlines that Edwards, on June 13, 2024, while in Baltimore, coerced a minor male into engaging in sexually explicit acts, which Edwards then documented and shared via an internet-based account. He is also accused of possessing child sexual abuse material on a digital device.
Upon conviction, the charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for each sexual exploitation count. Each distribution count carries a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years, with possession charges having a maximum of 20 years. Sentences for federal crimes typically fall below the maximum, as decided by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
It is important to note that an indictment does not equate to a finding of guilt; Edwards is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative started in May 2006 aimed at tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse. This initiative pools federal, state, and local resources to prosecute child exploiters and rescue victims. More information is accessible at www.justice.gov/psc.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the collaboration between the FBI, BPD, West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia Parole and Probation Office in this investigation. The prosecution of the case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema Sood and Paul E. Budlow.
For further details on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office and its initiatives, the public can visit their official websites.
