Michael Edwards Jr., left, listens to his attorney David Betras during sentencing Thursday afternoon before Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice. Edwards was found guilty earlier in the week on 15 of 23 charges that included rape, sexual battery, extortion and dereliction of duty.

WARREN — A former Warren police officer was sentenced to 34 to 39 years in prison Thursday after he was found guilty earlier this week on a series of charges.

Michael Edwards Jr. received his sentence after being convicted on 15 of 23 charges, including rape, sexual battery, extortion and dereliction of duty.

A verdict in the matter came after more than 15 hours of jury deliberation spanning two days. While Edwards was acquitted on six of eight rape charges, along with a charge of gross sexual imposition and one count of menacing by stalking, he was convicted of two counts of rape, four counts of gross sexual imposition, two counts of extortion, three counts of sexual battery, two counts of theft in office and two counts of dereliction of duty.

Trumbull County Common Pleas Judge Cynthia Westcott Rice delivered the sentence Thursday after presiding over the case, where victims described the impact of Edwards’ actions while he served as a police officer.

During the sentencing hearing, two of the six victims who testified, M.M. and A.P., gave statements.

M.M., who had secretly recorded an encounter with Edwards at the Riverview Motel, shared the lasting trauma from the assault.

“I know I have my problems, but before this, I was trying to get clean,” M.M. said, her voice breaking. “Since then, my addiction has worsened.”

She said Edwards preyed on her vulnerability and left her life shattered.

“This will always be in my mind, and I will remember it for the rest of my life,” she said. “I hope you remember it every day in prison, too.”

A.P. also gave a personal account, describing how her life was derailed by Edwards’ abuse of power.

“The uniform that should symbolize safety and protection has now become a symbol of betrayal and fear,” she said, explaining what she called an overwhelming sense of distrust and fear that she now feels.

A.P. shared how the assault had left her questioning the very systems meant to protect, adding, “Every time a car pulls up near my house, I’m watching out the window, scared of retaliation.”

Edwards, who maintained his innocence, declined to speak during the hearing. His defense attorneys indicated they plan to appeal.

Despite Edwards’ silence, Rice discussed the severity of his actions, stating, “He preyed on these women for his own perverse pleasure and exploited their vulnerability.”

The judge acknowledged the lasting psychological harm inflicted on each victim and how Edwards used his position of authority to facilitate his crimes.

After the sentencing, county assistant prosecutor Gabe Wildman spoke about the outcome and the sentence handed down by Rice.

“I think today Judge Rice really laid down the law,” Wildman said. “This kind of behavior is not going to be tolerated, and a stiff sentence of 34 to 39 years is basically the rest of his life.”

Wildman said he was satisfied with the verdict, stating that the victims, despite the emotional toll, were pleased with the results.

“What matters most to us is that they got to tell their stories, and they feel satisfied with the outcome,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of Edwards receiving a life sentence, Wildman said that the law surrounding the sexually violent predator designation can be complicated.

“There was some judgment (Rice) had to make on that,” Wildman said. “But we have no problem with her decision. She did the right thing, and we’re proud to stand with her.”

Wildman also addressed the struggles some victims faced in testifying.

“Some of them had deeper issues and found it difficult to tell their stories, but it was important for them to have that opportunity, and they got that. In our system of justice, that’s all you can ask for,” he said.

Regarding the possibility of further charges against Edwards, Wildman said no additional leads were being pursued at the moment.

“These are all the victims that we’re aware of who were willing to come forward,” he said. “If that changes, we’ll address it, but for now we consider this matter closed.”

Wildman also confirmed that Edwards will be a Tier 3 sex offender for life, meaning he will be required to register if ever released from prison.

Wildman said that the prosecutor’s office would not play an active role in any potential civil lawsuits against Edwards but would assist the victims as needed.

“We’ll continue to support the victims and help facilitate whatever we can,” he said.