Michael Edwards, “prolific serial rapist” and former police officer, is back in court to discuss pending motions

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – The man who prosecutors said was “the most prolific serial rapist in Trumbull County history” was back in court Thursday morning.

Former Warren police officer Michael Edwards Jr. was back in court, where his attorney and assistant district attorney Gabe Wildman argued the three motions pending in his case.

Edwards faces 24 counts alleging he sexually abused six women while on the job. The motions presented were all filed by Edwards’ attorney, Dominic Vitantonio, and centered on Edwards’ bond, disclosure of grand jury proceedings and a request for separate trials for each of the alleged victims.

Most of the hearing, which lasted about 45 minutes, was spent debating whether or not the cases should be separated.

“We have to get rid of some of these things because otherwise we won’t have justice,” Vitantonio said.

Wildman disagreed, saying, “It is the defendant’s burden to demonstrate actual prejudice.” He cannot do that. He failed to do that, and that’s because there is no real prejudice in retaining these charges.”

“The jury deserves to know all of the unlawful conduct that Mike Edwards committed in this case. “Joinder is the rule, not the exception,” Wildman said.

“I claim he is a serial rapist. I’m not saying this to be mean to him and call him names. I think the facts bear this out. He raped several women. That is the position of the state. I think he’s a threat,” Wilman said.

Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice continued Edwards’ bail at $750,000 on the condition that Edwards would receive electronically monitored house arrest at his expense should he post bail and accepted the other two motions for deliberation .

Edwards is due back in court next month for another preliminary hearing in Warren.