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Valdosta man charged with child molestation, incest

Valdosta man charged with child molestation, incest
Posted at 11:16 AM, Dec 20, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-20 11:16:00-05

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - A 56-year-old Valdosta man has been arrested for sex crimes against a child victim. 

The Valdosta Police Department says that they responded to a report of child molestation on Dec. 12.

When they arrived, they spoke with the victim, who is under the age of 16, and her mother. The victim said that she had been forced to have sex with a known person.

The Valdosta Police Department Person’s Crimes Detectives and representatives of the Department of Family & Children Services worked to collect testimonial and physical evidence, both of which lead them to identify a suspect.

On Tuesday, VPD issued an arrest warrant for Edwin Beal Sr., 56, who was found at a home in Brooks County. 

After an interview, Beal was transported to Lowndes County Jail, where he is being held on charges of Child Molestation (FELONY) and Incest (FELONY).

“This is a heartbreaking case in which the offender took advantage of a child’s trust, and his actions have affected her life forever. Our thoughts go out to this victim and her family as they begin to heal and recover from this terrible situation,” said Commander Manahan.