Mugshot of Edward James. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT
ST. CROIX — A man was arrested last Friday after an earlier incident where he reportedly performed a solo sex act on a woman’s porch.
According to court documents, a woman called 911 on September 13 to report that an unknown man had committed an indecent act on her porch. Days later, police recorded a formal interview, during which she said that she was at home on the night in question, sitting on her living room couch. She received a notification on her cell phone from her front door camera, and saw from the preview that it appeared to be a man standing on her enclosed porch.
She told police she used her phone's camera app for a clearer view and saw the man peering through her front door’s peephole. She watched as he stepped back, climbed onto her utility storage, and exposed himself. He then turned toward the camera and began masturbating.
The woman said she was frozen in shock, and at first did not think of calling the authorities. However, when she called a family member and was advised to call the police, she did so. She also alerted a neighbor, warning them about the contents of the security camera footage before showing the video. The neighbor had reportedly endured a similar incident in the past, and identified the perpetrator as “Fast Eddie.”
Upon seeing the video, the neighbor confirmed that the man at the woman’s porch was indeed the same “Fast Eddie.” When filing her police report, the woman pointed out “Fast Eddie” to the responding officer as he walked down the street next to the house. However, when confronted by the police officer, the man denied the accusations. The woman told police that since the incident, she has become fearful of being home alone or walking through the area.
Another officer, while reviewing the surveillance footage, identified “Fast Eddie” as Edward James based on previous experience with him, and noted that the events captured on camera matched the description provided by the woman.
Further confirmation of James’s identity was made when the complainant selected his photo from an array of 6 individuals with similar facial features.
He was tracked down on October 4 on Fisher Street in Christiansted, arrested and charged with second-degree burglary. He was remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing.
In court on Monday, Magistrate Yolan Brow-Ross found probable cause to uphold the charge against James, and also upheld bail at the full $50,000 as initially set. Before he can be released from custody, Edwards must provide the court with a suitable third-party custodian as well as a valid address and working telephone number.
His next court appearance is scheduled for October 23.
