Edward Andersen, a 49-year-old resident of Essex Junction, Vermont, was arraigned on several serious charges related to child sexual abuse. The Attorney General's Office announced that Mr. Andersen faces 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 are the result of an investigation conducted by the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (VT-ICAC). This task force includes personnel from multiple agencies such as 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 their findings, Mr. Andersen was charged with these offenses.
At his arraignment in Vermont Superior Court's Chittenden Unit Criminal Division, Mr. Andersen pleaded not guilty. Judge David Fenster ordered him to be held without bail pending further hearings.
The VT-ICAC is responsible for investigating internet-based child sexual exploitation cases. It provides various services including forensic examination and technical assistance while also offering law enforcement training and public education.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) serves as the centralized reporting system for online child exploitation in the United States. Reports can be made through their 24-hour call center or website regarding various forms of child exploitation.
NCMEC also offers support to those recovering from child sexual exploitation by helping with emotional support and content removal from the internet among other services.