Gwinnett County, GA – Blake Edwards, 32, was apprehended at his residence in Hall County on Friday night without resistance. The Hall County Sheriff’s Office has charged Edwards with 108 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
Nature of the Charges Against Former GA Physics Teacher
The charges against Edwards are twofold:
- Two counts for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a peer-to-peer sharing platform
- 106 counts for possessing CSAM videos, discovered on two external hard drives at his home
Investigation Reveals Teacher Possessed Child Sexual Abuse Material
Authorities first detected Edwards’ online activities in March. On May 14, they executed search warrants at his residence, seizing multiple electronic devices. Edwards was not present during the search.
Community Reaction to Teacher’s Arrest for Child Sexual Exploitation
The news has deeply unsettled residents of the Walnut Grove community, where Edwards lived. Henry Carr, a father of five, expressed his disgust: “It makes me sick to my stomach. We definitely do not like hearing this.”
Accused Teacher’s Teaching History
Edwards had a brief tenure as a physics teacher at Mountain View High School in Gwinnett County, from July 24, 2023, to May 23, 2024. Prior to this, he taught at Riverside Preparatory Academy from 2019 to 2023.
Ongoing Investigation After Teacher Shares Videos of Child Sexual Abuse
While the investigation continues, authorities have stated there is currently no evidence suggesting any of the children in the videos are from the metro Atlanta area. The case remains open as forensic analysis of the seized devices proceeds.
Teacher Arrest Raises Concerns About School Safety
The arrest of former physics teacher Blake Edwards on multiple child exploitation charges has sparked a broader conversation about student safety and institutional responsibility. As the community grapples with the unsettling news, questions arise about the legal rights of potential victims and the accountability of educational institutions. To address these concerns, we spoke with John Bey, a seasoned sexual abuse attorney in Georgia. Bey offers valuable insights into the legal landscape surrounding such cases and discusses the steps victims and their families can take to protect their rights.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Mr. Bey, what legal rights do victims of teacher sexual abuse have?
John Bey, Esq.: Victims have the right to seek both criminal and civil justice. They can cooperate with law enforcement for criminal prosecution and file civil lawsuits against the abuser and potentially the school district.
Banville: How can schools be held accountable in these situations?
Bey: Schools can be held liable if they were negligent in hiring, supervising, or retaining the abusive teacher. This could include failing to conduct proper background checks or ignoring warning signs of inappropriate behavior.
Banville: Given Edwards’ arrest for possession and distribution of child abuse material, how likely is it that there are direct victims?
Bey: Unfortunately, it’s quite possible. Teachers have close, unsupervised access to children, which is deeply concerning in cases like this. Often, individuals who possess such material may also engage in direct abuse.
Banville: What advice would you give to potential victims or their families?
Bey: I urge them to come forward and speak with law enforcement. They should also consult with an experienced attorney to understand their rights and options for seeking justice and compensation.
Reach Out for Support
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, grooming, or sexual exploitation, it is vital to seek help. Victims and their families deserve to understand their rights and options. We encourage you to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore the steps you can take toward healing and justice. You are not alone, and support is available.
Source:
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
