theday.com (CT): Former NL cop apologizes at sex assault sentencing.
Apparently, if you are a police officer (or other public official) who sexually assaults a child, you do not have to register as a sex offender.
Former New London police officer William R. Edwards Sr. apologized to his family this morning as he was sentenced to two years in prison and 10 years' probation for inappropriate sexual contact with a young boy.
The 22-year police veteran had pleaded guilty to risk of injury to a minor, tampering with a witness and violating a protective order.
Because he was so well-known by law enforcement authorities in New London, his case was heard in the Windham County judicial district. State's Attorney Patricia M. Froehlich said Edwards forced the victim, who was 5 to 7 years old at the time, to submit to sexual contact during a self-described "dark period" of his life when he was abusing drugs and alcohol. She said Edwards seemed to have very little insight into his problems based on statements he made during a pre-sentence interview with the Department of Adult Probation.
Edwards, who had served as New London's community police officer, was suspended and then fired following his arrest in January 2009. He had been well-respected in the community, and several people sent letters of support to the court.
The judge said the sentence was in the best interest of the community. He ordered Edwards to undergo sex offender evaluation and treatment, if necessary while on probation. He is to have no contact with the victim and no unsupervised contact with children under 16. He will not be required to register as a sex offender.
Contact State's Attorney Patricia M. Froehlich
Suite 208 120 School Street Danielson, CT 06239
860-779-8510
