A former police captain from League City, Texas, has been indicted on charges related to child exploitation offenses. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Daryn Edwards, 59, was arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo following the indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Galveston on November 18.
Edwards faces two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, which could result in up to life imprisonment if convicted. He is also charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. The latter charges carry potential sentences of 20 years and 10 years respectively, along with possible fines up to $250,000.
The case was investigated by FBI Texas City. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Valenti is leading the prosecution as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at addressing child sexual exploitation and abuse across the country. PSC brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and assist victims. More information about PSC can be found on the DOJ’s PSC page; additional internet safety education resources are also available there.
"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 statement from authorities.
