Former Fayetteville principal pleads guilty to sex crimes
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- A former Cumberland County middle school principal has pleaded guilty to sex crimes involving students, according to court documents.
David Ellis Edwards, 51, pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent liberties with a child last Monday, avoiding a trial.
The charges were a part of an 11-count indictment alleging sexual abuse between 2009 and 2013.
Investigators believed the crimes took place against three male victims at Douglas Byrd Middle and Ramsey Street Alternative Schools, where Edwards was principal.
Former Fayetteville principal charged with sex crimes
Records show the 2nd degree sexual offense and crimes against nature charges were dismissed.
Edwards, a pastor and Fayetteville resident, was sentenced to 60 months supervised probation. Three consecutive 16-20 month jail sentences were on the table.
Edwards must also register as a sex offender and may not live with any children or have contact with the victims.
According to the District Attorney's Office, the victims in the case consented to the plea arrangement.
Two civil lawsuits filed on behalf of the victims are pending against Edwards and Cumberland County Schools, alleging the system was aware of the sexual abuse happening on the campuses.
ABC11 I-Team Report: Suit, employee: school system was warned about principal charged in sex crimes
Because of the civil litigation, prosecutors would not comment further on the case Wednesday.
Edwards resigned from his position as principal of Douglas Byrd Middle School in August 2013, amid the allegations, but before charges were filed.
At the time a school spokeswoman said Edwards went away for "educational reasons," and the school was unaware of the pending investigation.
ABC11 knocked on Edward's door Wednesday and family members answered to say he had no comment.
