Former Warren police officer gets 34 to 39 years in prison on sex charges

A former Warren police officer on Sept. 26 received an indefinite sentence of 34 to 39 years in prison and was labeled a Tier 3 sexual offender after being found guilty earlier this week by a Trumbull County jury of 15 charges, including two first-degree rape w/firearm specifications four gross sexual impositions with firearm specifications, three counts of sexual battery with firearm specifications, two counts extortion, two counts theft in office and two counts dereliction of duty.

The jury deliberated almost 15 hours over three days before returning the verdicts on Sept. 23.

The jury also found Michael Edwards Jr., 44, not guilty of six other rape counts, a count of menacing by stalking, and one count of gross sexual imposition.

Six victims testified at the trial, while one of them talked at the sentencing hearing before Judge Cynthia Rice about how Edwards’ breach of trust and betrayal had left her feeling isolated and disillusioned about “the systems which are supposed to offer safety.”

Judge Rice labeled Edwards a Tier 3 sex offender, which requires a lifetime registration, but fell short of declaring him a sexually violent predator. She said the evidence in the trial did not produce evidence that Edwards acted violently or threatened violence in his acts.

Assistant Prosecutor Gabriel Wildman, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Gina Thomas, said he was pleased with the outcome.

“I think today the judge really laid down the law,” Wildman said. “The victims were pleased with the results (of the trial) and the sentence.”

Defense attorney David Betras spoke on behalf of his client, who Betras said maintained his innocence.

Betras said Edwards realized the shame he had brought on his former fellow officers and the city of Warren.

Edwards, who chose not to speak at sentencing, was dismissed as a police officer after one of the victims came forward with charges in January 2024. Six victims testified against him at trial last week.

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This story was originally published September 26, 2024 at 8:15 PM.