A former Harnett County deputy who was charged with sexually exploiting children online was sentenced to 23 years in prison by a U.S. federal judge.
Now-37-year-old Johnathan Edwards was arrested in 2023 on 10 counts of felony first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of felony obstruction of justice. A recent press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office sentenced him to prison for producing child sex abuse material.
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A joint investigation between the SBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the Harnett County Sheriff's Office found that Edwards sexually exploited children on the website Omegle, which shut down in November 2023 following allegations that it had failed to take precautions to protect children.
In October 2023, investigators found, through his Google account, that Edwards video-chatted with children and encouraged them to do lewd acts, even after the children disclosed that they were 13- or 14-years-old. He was originally charged with obstruction of justice after he allegedly destroyed the evidence.
Authorities also simultaneously investigated an incident where he had sexual harassed a Harnett County Detention Center inmate.
The sheriff’s office said they were made aware of "possible misconduct" by Edwards in October 2023, which is when they launched an internal investigation into the matter. The office placed Edwards on administrative leave on Oct. 16. and he was terminated on Nov. 30 for "violations of policy."
Edwards began working for the HCSO on Jan. 17, 2013. Edwards was working in the patrol division at the time of his termination.
His sentencing of 23 years will be followed by 15 years of supervised release and $10,000 in restitution for producing child sexual abuse material.
“This defendant disgraced his badge and betrayed the community he swore to protect,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle in the press release. “Law enforcement officers who engage in crimes of child exploitation are no different that the predators they should be stopping. Our office will zealously pursue those who fuel the demand for child sexual abuse material, no matter their title or position.”
Chip Hawley, N.C. SBI Director, said: “The North Carolina SBI is working around the clock with our local and federal partners to investigate and eliminate child sex exploitation in North Carolina. It is especially alarming when a law enforcement officer is charged with violating the laws they have sworn to uphold."
Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats also added: “I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security for their dedication and professionalism throughout this investigation and prosecution. Their joint efforts helped assist in our mission to keep Harnett County safe and ensure justice is served."
