DEKALB COUNTY, Al. (WDEF) — A DeKalb County man was recently found guilty of solicitation of a minor.
In March of 2021, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that someone sent an image containing child pornography through the app, Discord.
After receiving the tip, agents were able to trace the IP address to a residence in Rainsville, Alabama.
In April of 2021, authorities obtained a search warrant and executed the warrant at the suspected residence.
Authorities interviewed 26-year-old Valen Edwards on scene.
According to District Attorney Summer Summerford, Edwards confessed to downloading and sending a picture of a child less than 10 years of age engaged in a sexual act on the app Discord.
Edwards also told authorities he engaged in sexual conversations with an underage female.
Upon seizing Edwards phone, investigators found a nude image of the underage female, along with the conversations he previously mentioned.
Edwards was arrested following the interview.
On August 21, 2025, a DeKalb County jury found Edwards guilty of two counts of Possession of Obscene Matter, one count of Dissemination of Obscene Matter, and one county of Electronic Solicitation of a Child.
A sentencing hearing will be held on November 13, 2025.
“The exploitation of children is the manifestation of evil in this world. The community spoke in this case and stood up for children everywhere. These cases are very difficult to hear. We want to say a special ‘thank you’ to the jurors who had to review disturbing evidence.”
-District Attorney Summerford
