Federal Sentence Marks End of Long Investigation Into Kalamazoo Predator

A Kalamazoo man will spend three decades behind bars after pleading guilty to sexually exploiting a 13-year-old girl. Devonte Andrew Edwards received 360 months in federal prison on April 8, 2026.

The sentence marks the culmination of an investigation that began in spring 2025 when Child Protective Services received a call about a missing 13-year-old girl who had run away from home with an adult male.

Child Reportedly Met Predator Through Social Media App

According to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Edwards met the girl through a social media app. Police forensic examination of the girl's phone revealed she was near Edwards' residence when she went missing.

A search warrant executed at Edwards' apartment on Clayborne Drive in Kalamazoo seized his electronic devices including cell phones, a tablet and a laptop.

Investigators discovered:

  • Photos and videos of Edwards sexually assaulting the 13-year-old
  • Over 200 videos of children ranging from toddlers to young teenagers engaged in various sexual acts
  • Messages between Edwards and other people with sexual interests in children

Message Reveals Predatory Intent

The investigation uncovered chilling messages in which Edwards bragged about his sexual assaults. According to court documents, Edwards wrote in one message:

"The 13-year-old really made me want to do this for the rest of my life"

U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey described Edwards as someone who "enjoyed finding children to sexually assault, enjoyed making recordings of his sexual assaults and enjoyed bragging about it to his friends."

Plea Deal and Prosecution

Edwards pleaded guilty to charges on December 17, 2025. A federal grand jury later indicted him for sexual exploitation of a child under federal law.

Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou presided over the sentencing hearing. Judge Jarbou emphasized the need to protect the public from Edwards.

FBI Warns Parents of Online Dangers

FBI Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan of the Detroit Field Office addressed the dangers of social media platforms.

"Devonte Edwards admitted to manipulating social media platforms to target underage girls, a calculated and disturbing abuse of technology"

Runyan warned parents that many apps allow interaction with strangers and can expose children to serious risks. She noted that Edwards "enjoyed manipulating social media to target underage girls."

Local and Federal Partners Work Together

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Roth and Austin Hakes prosecuted the case.

Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Chief David Boysen commented on the conviction.

"This conviction sends a clear message: when local and federal partners work together, we can hold offenders fully accountable"

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.

Community Alert

KDPS continues to investigate whether there may be additional victims beyond the one confirmed case. The department encouraged parents to monitor their children's online activity and be vigilant about privacy settings on social media apps.

Parents who believe their child may have been victimized were directed to contact Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8123.

Timeline of Events

  • Spring 2025: CPD receives report of 13-year-old girl who ran away with adult male
  • May 22: Girl reported missing from her home
  • June 12: Search warrant executed at Edwards' apartment
  • December 17, 2025: Edwards pleads guilty to charges
  • April 8, 2026: Edwards sentenced to 360 months in federal prison
  • April 15, 2026: Sentence announced publicly

Officials on Accountability

U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey made clear that Edwards will not harm anyone else.

"I doubt he will enjoy being in federal prison for the next 30 years, but that is exactly where he belongs"

FBI Special Agent Jennifer Runyan emphasized the importance of the case.

"Anyone who exploits a child should expect to spend decades behind bars, and this 30-year sentence sends that message loud and clear"

Case Part of Larger Effort

Project Safe Childhood involves federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement working together to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The initiative also educates communities about online dangers and teaches children how to protect themselves.