May 4th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
Maryland State Police investigators from the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for the second time within a week, arrest another Allegany County man earlier today on child pornography related charges.
The suspect is identified as Michael Edwards, 65, of the 300 block of Williams Street, Cumberland, MD. Edwards was arrested without incident and charged with possession of child pornography and distributing child pornography.
Earlier this year, investigators with the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force developed information about the potential distribution of child pornography online. As a result of the subsequent investigation, Edwards was identified as the suspect and a search warrant was served at Edwards’ residence shortly after 5:00 a.m. this morning by Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit investigators, Combined County Criminal Investigation Unit (C3I) and agents from Homeland Security Investigations.
Service of the search warrant resulted in the recovery of various digital media storage devices. Evidence will be submitted to the Maryland State Police Digital Forensics Lab for analysis. Investigators consulted with the Allegany County State’s Attorney’s Office regarding charges that were placed. Edwards was transported to the Allegany County Detention Center, awaiting a hearing before a District Court commissioner.
The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is comprised of police agencies from around the state. Its primary mission is to protect children from computer-facilitated sexual exploitation. The Task Force works cooperatively with law enforcement agencies and prosecutors to provide resources to combat these crimes. Additionally, the Task Force provides community awareness campaigns helping to prevent the spread of these crimes through education.
Michael Edwards
.jpg)
