Alleged child rapist arraigned and jailed on $200K bail

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 January 2015 at 12:00 am

ALBION – A 28-year-old Brockport man was arraigned in Orleans County Court today on numerous counts of second-degree rape, second-degree criminal sexual act and other charges.

Matthew M. Edwards of West Ridge Road allegedly had sex with a 13-year-old girl in the Village of Holley between July 4 and Aug. 30. Edwards also allegedly provided the girl with drugs and alcohol, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

He is in Orleans County Jail on $200,000 bail.

“This defendant has a very strange and bizarre criminal record,” Assistant DA Susan Howard told Judge James Punch during arraignment today.

Edwards faces 20 counts of second-degree rape, 14 counts of criminal sexual act in the second degree, five counts of unlawful dealing with a child in the first degree and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Edwards appeared with assigned counsel, Nathan Pace of Medina, who entered not guilty pleas on behalf of Edwards. He will next appear in court on Feb. 2.

Punch said Edwards has multiple failures to appear in court before, as well as past misdemeanors and a prior felony.

The judge issued an order of protection for the alleged victim.