Opening statements begin in ex-cop rape trial | News, Sports, Jobs

From left, defense attorney Frank Cassese, defendant Michael Edwards Jr. and attorney David Betras sit at the defense table during opening statements in Edwards’ trial Monday afternoon before Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Cynthia Rice. In the foreground, with his back turned, is attorney Dominic J. Vitantonio.

WARREN — Opening statements began Monday in the trial of Michael Edwards Jr., a former Warren police officer accused of multiple sexual assaults involving six women.

The hearing, which will be held in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court, is expected to focus on misconduct allegations that allege abuse of power by the longtime officer.

Edwards, 43, faces 24 charges, including rape and aggravated burglary involving six victims. Edwards, described by prosecutors as likely “the most prolific serial rapist in Trumbull County history” They allegedly committed these crimes while performing their official duties.

The charges stem from a series of incidents, including forcibly touching victims and forcing them to perform sex acts, his indictment alleges. One of the victims provided a video of the encounter, and DNA evidence links Edwards to the crime scene. His wife, Taylor Edwards, also a former Warren police officer, resigned amid accusations of her involvement, including secretly recording witnesses and threatening the victim.

On Monday, Trumbull County Deputy District Attorney Gina Thomas painted a picture of the former officer’s actions, accusing Edwards of using his position of authority to abuse vulnerable women. Thomas said police officers take an oath to protect and serve citizens, and Edwards violated that oath by committing a gross abuse of power.

“A citizen is someone who may be a drug addict, an alcoholic or a woman with internal conflict who engages in prostitution. All of them are citizens who deserve the protection of a police officer” said Thomas.

The prosecution outlined a timeline beginning with the alleged assault of the first victim in the case on Jan. 14, 2024. Thomas said Edwards allegedly forced the victim to perform sex acts, threatening to report her drug use to a local rehabilitation center if she did not comply. The prosecution focused on how Edwards exploited the vulnerabilities of his alleged victims, including their drug addictions and criminal histories, to manipulate and silence them.

One of the victims, Thomas said, felt trapped by her circumstances, knowing her credibility would be undermined if she spoke out. According to the indictment, “She knew no one would believe her. That’s why she recorded it. She’s a drug addict, a prostitute, and no one knew what to think of that. And he made sure she knew it.” said Thomas.

Thomas also accused Edwards of using similar methods of intimidation, threats and manipulation against five other women.

In his opening statement, one of Edwards’ attorneys, Frank Cassese, argued that while the state’s case may seem compelling at first glance, it is ultimately flawed. “incomplete.”

The lawyer stressed that the main purpose of the hearing was to distinguish between legal extramarital relationships and illegal sexual conduct.

Cassese noted that while extramarital affairs are not illegal, the state portrays a police officer’s involvement in them as rape or serious sexual abuse due to the nature of his profession.

The defense attorney also noted that there was no evidence of coercion or force in the sex tape that will be introduced into evidence.

While the video may seem distasteful, Cassese urged the jury to focus on the details and context. “You may think it’s perverted, you may think it’s disgusting, but look closely at this video because you’ll hear words like blackmail and framing a cop” said Cassese.

The defense further argued that law enforcement unfairly manipulated some of the victims into testifying against Edwards, adding that one of the women involved viewed her relationship with the officer as consensual and an opportunity to receive help with addiction.

“You will hear evidence of the dark side of this city… prostitution, drugs, drug dealers, sex for money, theft… evidence that law enforcement officers and people living in a dark society have to deal with.” said Cassese.

Edwards’ attorney said he was confident the jury would ultimately find the evidence insufficient and find his client not guilty.

When the trial resumes this morning, the defendants intend to introduce DNA evidence, including a cup of semen that the first victim allegedly spat into and was later recovered from a toilet after Edwards allegedly raped her in a Parkman Road motel room.

In addition, motel surveillance footage and video recorded by the first victim during her sexual encounter with Edwards will be shown during the trial.

Statements from multiple victims that the prosecution hope will show a pattern of unwanted sexual contact — many of them allegedly occurring while Edwards was on duty and in uniform — will also be introduced into evidence.