BALTIMORE, MD – A Baltimore police officer, Kerlin Edwards, 34, will remain in custody without bail after a judge denied his release amid serious felony charges, including rape and assault of a minor. Edwards, who has served with the department for two and a half years, faces potential life imprisonment if convicted.
The courtroom heard disturbing allegations from charging documents that Edwards, entrusted with public safety, engaged in a relationship with a 16-year-old girl. The teen reported that a confrontation erupted after Edwards accused her of infidelity, during which he allegedly placed her in a chokehold until she lost consciousness.
Further accusations detail how Edwards reportedly turned up the volume on his television to drown out the girl’s cries and subsequently locked her in his residence, preventing her escape. In a chilling account, detectives noted that Edwards admitted to handing his unloaded duty weapon to the girl, telling her to shoot him if she felt he deserved it.
During the bail review, Edwards’ public defender argued for his release, citing the dangers he might face as a police officer in jail. However, the judge, emphasizing the gravity of the charges, denied the request, stating that Edwards’ position did not afford him special treatment in light of the accusations involving a minor.
At an unrelated press briefing, Mayor Brandon Scott praised the judicial system for maintaining impartiality. He expressed his dismay over the charges, highlighting the betrayal of trust when a law enforcement officer is involved in such crimes.
“The allegations are heinous, particularly given the responsibility Edwards held to protect the community,” Scott remarked. He urged for stringent penalties if Edwards is convicted, underscoring the severity of the breach of duty.
Edwards is scheduled to appear in court again in approximately four weeks for a preliminary hearing, where more details are expected to emerge.