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Community Shocked by Allegations Against Former Teacher
Residents of a Georgia community are reeling after learning that a former physics teacher is facing over 100 charges linked to child sexual exploitation. The distressing news has left many parents feeling unsettled, especially given the proximity of the alleged offenses.
On Tuesday, Channel 2 News reporter Tom Jones visited Hall County, where local parents expressed their alarm about the situation occurring so close to home. The individual in question, Blake Edwards, 32, was known to reside in the Walnut Grove neighborhood, a place where children often play outside. Authorities allege that Edwards not only possessed but also shared a total of 108 images depicting child sexual abuse.
Neighbors of Edwards were taken aback, stating they had no prior indication that someone accused of such serious crimes lived nearby. Many expressed their disgust and disbelief upon hearing the allegations. “It makes me sick to my stomach,” remarked local resident Henry Carr, a father of five. “We definitely do not like hearing this.”
The revelation that Edwards had worked as a teacher at Mountain View High School added another layer of concern for the community. Jodi Bennett, another local resident, voiced her outrage, stating, “It’s sick. Honest to God, there’s no excuse for that.”
According to deputies, the investigation into Edwards began in March when they became aware of his online activities. A search of his electronic devices subsequently uncovered a significant number of illegal images. In light of these developments, officials from Gwinnett County Schools confirmed that Edwards resigned from his teaching position in May. At this time, law enforcement has stated that there is no information indicating that any identifiable child from the Atlanta metropolitan area was involved in the material found.
Source
www.yahoo.com