Vacation rental owner arrested on charges of child sexual abuse, more

A local man was arrested on charges including possession of thousands of files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Authorities said they also found evidence he was recording unsuspecting guests during intimate moments while they stayed at his vacation rental.

On Thursday, March 19, more than 4,000 digital files containing CSAM were located during the execution of a search warrant at the home located at 50730 Granite Butte Way in Oakhurst.

During their investigation, detectives with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) identified Oakhurst resident Christian Parmalee Edwards, 44, as the suspect.

Working alongside the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), detectives executed the search warrant at the residence based on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the distribution of CSAM activity occurring in Madera County.

MCSO also said they uncovered evidence suggesting Edwards had been using his residence as a short-term vacation rental and recording guests during private moments without their knowledge.

Edwards was arrested and booked into the Madera County Jail. He is facing multiple felony charges related to the possession and distribution of CSAM.

Additional charges including invasion of privacy are pending as the investigation continues.

All electronic devices associated with Edwards were seized for further examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

A photo of the two-story, three-bedroom home was provided by MCSO to alert possible victims who may have rented the property. Online records show the home is owned by Edwards.

Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding this case or potential victims to contact Detective Eder Andrade at (559) 517-7997 or MCSO at (559) 675-7770.

Edwards is represented by the Madera law firm of Fitzgerald, Alvarez & Ciummo.

The defendant is scheduled for a preliminary examination on April 4 before Judge Miguel Valdovinos in Dept. 22 of Madera County Superior Court.