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Delray Beach Minister Charged in Alleged Sexual Acts With 15-Year-Old, Released on Bail

Detectives say Instagram messages underpin the case, with a tip line open for other potential victims.

Overview

  • Kenneth Edwards Jr., 50, a minister at the Church of Living God, was arrested and charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious battery and one count of soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct.
  • The case began after the teen’s mother found Instagram messages and nude photos and alerted Boynton Beach police, after which the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office took over.
  • According to a sworn statement, the girl said she met Edwards about a month earlier and described two encounters in his car, including one after he brought her a vape pen and another after meeting at a trampoline park.
  • While speaking with the teen during a call monitored by detectives, Edwards said he believed she was 18, according to the probable cause affidavit.
  • Court records show Edwards posted bail and was ordered not to contact the teen as PBSO investigators seek other possible victims and direct tips to Detective Dove or Crime Stoppers.