Court Hearing for Edwards Postponed; Negotiations Pending

Court proceedings for an ex-Mormon bishop in Menifee accused of sexual battery on two teenage girls was postponed again today because negotiations are pending, according to the attorneys involved in the case.

Todd Edwards, 49, of Murrieta appeared in Riverside Superior Court with his attorney, Sean Davitt, whose request to continue the felony settlement conference to Oct. 16 was granted by judge Becky L. Dugan. Edwards, who was released on bail Aug. 19, faces charges of sexual battery, sexual penetration with a foreign object and witness intimidation.

Davitt told the court the sides are in negotiations. This is the fourth continuation of a felony settlement conference for Edwards, who has not yet been arraigned.

The charges involve separate incidents with two teenage girls who allegedly attended the Menifee Ward, where Edwards once served as bishop. Edwards was released as bishop when the allegations came to light and he currently holds no position in the church.