Essex Junction Resident Arrested on Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Charges

The Attorney General's Office announced that Edward Andersen, 49, of Essex Junction, Vermont, was arraigned yesterday on one felony count of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child, one felony count of Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, and two felony counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials.

The charges brought against Mr. Andersen are the result of a criminal investigation, including the execution of search warrants, conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC), which included personnel from the Attorney General's Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Burlington Police Department, South Burlington Police Department, Essex Police Department, and the Department of Children and Families. Based on the criminal investigation, Mr. Andersen was charged with the above listed offenses.

Mr. Andersen pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Vermont Superior Court, Chittenden Unit, Criminal Division. The Court, Judge David Fenster presiding, ordered Mr. Andersen be held without bail, pending a further hearing.

VT-ICAC investigates cases of child sexual exploitation occurring over the internet, including the production and online distribution of child sexual abuse materials. VT-ICAC also provides forensic examination services, technical assistance, law enforcement training, and public education and outreach.

Every child deserves a safe childhood. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) is the nation's centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. Anyone can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, child sexual molestation, child sexual abuse material, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet. To make a report, call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678 or visit https://report.cybertip.org .

Additionally, if you are recovering from child sexual exploitation, you do not have to navigate it alone. NCMEC can help with emotional and peer support, removing content from the internet, and locating mental health professionals. For more information, please visit https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/csam-resources or call the 24-hour call center at 1-800-843-5678.

The Attorney General's Office emphasizes that individuals charged with a crime are legally presumed innocent until their guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

CONTACT: Amelia Vath, Outreach and Communications Coordinator, 802-828-3171