June 13 Hearing Set for Ex-Bishop Charged With Sexual Battery
A preliminary hearing in the case of a former Mormon bishop charged with sexual battery upon two teenage girls in the Menifee area will be...
http://www.menifee247.com/2013/06/june-13-hearing-set-for-ex-bishop-charged-with-sexual-battery.html
Todd M. Edwards, 49, of Murietta entered a plea of not guilty Friday to charges of sexual battery, sexual penetration with a foreign object, and witness intimidation. He is being held at the Robert Preston Detention Center in Riverside with bail set at $65,000.
Edwards, who previously served as bishop of the Menifee Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, is the subject of an investigation of incidents dating back to 2006, police reported. Investigators determined he committed the sexual assaults in November 2006 and February 2012. The investigation revealed the suspect was known by the victims and their families.
A third victim was identified during the investigation; however, the statute of limitations prevented criminal charges from being filed.
George Kramer, a spokesman for the LDS Church, said Edwards was released as bishop when the allegations came to light. He no longer attends Menifee Ward and currently holds no position in the church.
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has zero tolerance for abuse of any kind," Kramer said. "Anyone who abuses a child is rightfully subject to both criminal prosecution and formal church discipline."
Sheriff investigators believe there may be other victims and urge them to come forward and contact law enforcement to report the crimes.
Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Investigator John Wyatt, at the Menifee Police Department by calling 951-210-1000, or PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org.
Coward!!
ReplyDeleteZERO TOLERANCE!!!!It drives me crazy to read that the church has ZERO tolerance, WHY in the world was this man free to walk and work and actually attending service, if the church has ZERO tolerance !!!! I know that the investigation takes time, but since 2006!! No way !
ReplyDeleteAs I understand the article,the incident happened in 2006 not that the investigation was started back then.
ReplyDeleteThe investigation should have started in 2006--If in reality the church has ZERO TOLERANCE!!!
ReplyDeleteZERO TOLERANCE!!!: means without leniency or exception of the enforcement of a rule or regulation. This becomes operative when something is known. Are you suggesting they knew about it in 2006 and did nothing? To suggest an investigation without a known reason is ridiculous.
DeleteHe did not take responsibility in 2006, and he is not taking resposibility now "NOT GUILTY"? . He is just a BIG COWARD !
ReplyDeleteI am, in no way condoning or defending any acts being charged here. You,however, are making the assumption of his guilt without hearing all the evidence.One can only hope you are judged by a group of peers with the same mentality for justice as yours.
DeleteWait and see ..... All the trash will come out--- pleanty of trash
ReplyDeleteAnd you will be overjoyed?
DeleteAbsolutely !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe sordid details seem to hold a prurient interest for some.
DeleteWrong it is not the sordid details,
DeleteYES!!!!!
ReplyDelete