U.S. Department of Justice

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Tampa, Florida  

House Parent Arrested at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home

At approximately 8:00am on Sunday July 2, 2006, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) arrested Robert Lester Edwards for the offense of sexual performance by a child F.S. 827.021 (5). Lester was booked at the Polk County jail under a $1,000 bond.

Local law enforcement officials became aware of Edward’s on-line child pornography activities through information received from a subject’s computer seized by the FBI in Salt Lake City, Utah. Analysis of the seized computer revealed Edwards as being one of several individuals sending and receiving child pornography. The FDLE is in possession of Edward’s home computer where it will be analyzed for further evidence.

At present, Edwards is being held under state charges. Computer analysis will determine if federal charges will be filed.

Lester moved from California to Polk County in February 2006 and is a house parent at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Polk County. Edwards has two prior arrests in1985 and 1986 for grand larceny.