Batavia Township couple indicted for endangering children after lengthy investigation
On Tuesday, June 25, Charles Edmonson, 63, of Batavia Township, and his wife, Matthew Edmonson, 49, were indicted by a Clermont County grand jury, each on five counts of endangering children, felonies of the third degree.
On Aug. 1, 2022, the Clermont County Communication Center received a 911 call reporting a sexual assault that had allegedly occurred on July 31, 2022. The Clermont County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit immediately contacted the juvenile victim, interviewed witnesses and collected evidence to begin an investigation.
Multiple search warrants were executed throughout December 2023. These warrants allowed for the collection of cell phones and video surveillance from the Edmonson residence.
As the investigation progressed, detectives grew concerned for five other juveniles in the residence because Charles and Matthew Edmonson allegedly refused to cooperate and denied consent to access the collected electronic devices and surveillance footage. Detectives worked closely with the Clermont County Children’s Protective Services (CPS) to ensure the children’s safety as the investigation continued.
In October 2023, Charles Edmonson was indicted by a Clermont County grand jury for sexual battery. In March 2024, he was convicted on two amended charges of gross sexual imposition and sentenced to three years in prison.
Detectives from the Clermont County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with the Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) to unlock data from Mr. Edmonson’s cell phone. As new information emerged, detectives were able to communicate through a joint investigative effort with CPS, and the other five children were removed from the family residence on Feb. 14, 2024.
In April 2024, data retrieved from Charles Edmonson’s cell phone uncovered numerous videos allegedly showing abuse and neglect of other juveniles, leading to the aforementioned charges.
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
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