Sentencing Delayed, but Victim Speaks at Andre Edwards Hearing

A former Ralston Middle School student made an emotional statement in San Mateo County Superior Court on Thursday at the sentencing hearing of Andre Edwards, the former school custodian accused of molesting the female student in 2010 and 2011.

Edwards, 54, appeared in court to be sentenced following a plea bargain in May, in which he pleaded no contest to felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor child annoyance in exchange for a maximum of nine months in jail, and no prison time, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

The young woman told Judge Jonathan Karesh that she wondered how many other victims had not come forward.

“I’ve been waiting for this day since I was 12,” the young woman read from a statement.

Edwards, who worked as a janitor and coach at Ralston Middle School until a month before his arrest in March 2011, was present in the courtroom and faced the young woman as she gave her statement.

“I lost a childhood that I can never get back. We both know what you did and thinking about it makes me sick to my stomach,” she said, her voice shaking but strong.

“You shouldn’t have been around young girls after what you did to me. I’m still trying to pick up pieces of my life. This has scarred me both emotionally and mentally,” she continued.

A motion by Edwards’ defense attorney, Eric Hove, to continue for a full sentencing was granted and the case was reset to July 12, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Karesh for sentencing hearing and for imposition of sentence.

Up until his plea deal, Edwards has denied the claims. He retired from the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District on Feb. 28, 2011 where he had been employed since September 1987.

Numerous trial dates were set, and delayed, after the case was sent to the District Attorney's Office. Edwards has remained out of custody on a $50,000 bail bond.