Media Contact: Sgt. David Griffet | 217-403-6927 | [email protected]
On Wednesday March 1, at approximately 6:17 PM, Champaign Police Detectives arrested 56-year-old Duane E. Edwards of Champaign for the offense of Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography.
Edwards was arrested following a police report that claimed he sexually abused a child while in his care. The incidents were reported to have occurred over a number of years at Edwards’ home in the 1400 Block of Anthony Drive in Champaign.
Following investigation into the report, Champaign Police Detectives obtained a search warrant for Edwards’ residence, seizing several items identified as being “evidence” in a predatory criminal sexual assault investigation.
Edwards, who has been listed in the Illinois State Police Offender database as a Child Sex Offender since 2005, is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 PM today at the Champaign County Courthouse.
Champaign Police Detectives continue to investigate this case. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Investigations Division at (217) 351-4545 or Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-8477.
Citizens are reminded that information submitted to Crime Stoppers is completely anonymous. Calls are routed to a third-party national call center that receives your information, completes a tips information form, and then passes that information to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Caller ID tracking is not utilized by Crime Stoppers and conversations are not recorded.
Crime Stoppers tips can be shared by phone at: 217-373-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.373tips.com. Crime Stoppers will pay a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for this crime.
RACES (Rape Advocacy, Counseling, and Education Services), is a community-based rape crisis center serving East-Central Illinois and provides free, confidential services to anyone who has been affected by sexual assault, abuse, or harassment. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, immediate assistance is available via the Rape Crisis Hotline at (217) 384-444, or toll free at 1-877-236-3727. For more information, visit: www.cu-races.org