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Instant Message Predator Arrested

By Alan Gray, NewsBlaze  

Parents should be aware of their children's activities on social sites and on Instant Messenger programs. After a smart 10 year old reported an inappropriate contact on her Instant Messenger, a predator was tracked and arrested.

Today, Folsom Police arrested 53 year-old Gerald Ivor Edwards on one count of sending harmful matter with the intent to seduce a minor and one count of annoying or molesting a minor.

Edwards was arrested at his home in Folsom.

The investigation began when a 10 year-old child told her mother she was receiving sexually explicit messages. The mother logged onto the home computer and pretended to be the 10 year-old. An instant messaging conversation ensued between the two, when Edwards sent unsolicited sexually explicit written text and pornographic images. The mother then contacted Folsom Police.

During the course of the investigation, Detectives were able to identify the suspect which led them to a local sex registrant. Folsom Police Detectives served a search warrant on Edwards' residence and seized his home computer. "This is a great reminder to parents to be aware of whom their children are talking to on these social networking sites," said Sgt. Brian Dean.

Police did not release a photo, due to the ongoing investigation, and because there may be additional victims.