Delray Beach Minister Arrested, Charged With Sexual Battery Involving 15-Year-Old Girl
DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — A Delray Beach minister has been arrested and charged after Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigators say he engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl, fully aware of her age.
Kenneth Edwards Jr. is facing two counts of lewd and lascivious battery, according to arrest records. Deputies identified Edwards as a minister at the Church of the Living God in Delray Beach. According to the sheriff’s office, the investigation began after the victim’s mother discovered explicit messages on her daughter’s phone and contacted authorities. Investigators say Edwards initially approached the girl inside a department store and asked for her phone number. Instead, the girl gave him access to her Instagram account, where the two began communicating.
The police report states the relationship escalated into sexual activity, with the victim allegedly sending nude photos and engaging in sexual acts in exchange for vape pens. While deputies were present, the victim placed a recorded phone call to Edwards, during which investigators say he acknowledged knowing she was 15 years old. According to the report, Edwards responded, “15 and 50 are just numbers.”
Investigators also cited additional messages in which the girl asked Edwards if he still “wanted it,” and he allegedly replied that he had agreed to meet her “one last time.” Detectives later interviewed Edwards, who provided a full confession, according to the arrest report. He was taken into custody and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said investigators believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information related to Kenneth Edwards Jr. to contact PBSO at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477).
