South Fulton police officer arrested, accused of ‘enticing a child’

A South Fulton police officer is facing felony charges after authorities accused him of enticing a child for indecent purposes.

Officer Matthew Edwards was arrested by Villa Rica police Thursday, South Fulton police officials said in a statement.

He was fired from the department after the agency was notified of his arrest, the statement said.

“These are serious criminal allegations against Officer Edwards,” police Chief Keith Meadows said. “We are cooperating with Villa Rica PD in their investigation.”

Edwards’ arrest stems from an incident that occurred in December, officials said. The details of the incident are not clear.

Edwards was booked into the Carroll County jail, where he remains with no bond. In addition to enticing a minor, Edwards is charged with simple battery and violation of oath of office, jail records show.

In other news:

Officials said the man sat down in the restaurant and refused to leave. Moments later, police were called.

About the Author

Asia Simone Burns

Asia Simone Burns is a watchdog reporter for the AJC. Burns was formerly an intern in AJC’s newsroom and now writes about crime. She is a graduate of Samford University and has previously reported for NPR and WABE, Atlanta’s NPR member station.

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