By CHRIS MCBRIDE

Staff writer

YOUNGSTOWN — A fourth woman has filed a federal lawsuit accusing a former Warren police officer of sexually assaulting her while on duty and alleging a pattern of predatory behavior by officers targeting vulnerable women, court records show.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in the U.S. Northern District Court, names former officer Michael Edwards Jr., police Chief Erik J. Merkel and the City of Warren as defendants. It alleges Edwards sexually assaulted women he encountered from 2019 to 2024, targeting them during police responses to calls for service.

The plaintiff met Edwards in February 2023 when he responded to a 911 call about a friend’s drug overdose at her home, according to the lawsuit.

Edwards allegedly engaged with her repeatedly after the incident, culminating in a sexual assault in fall 2023 while she was heavily intoxicated and unable to consent. The lawsuit claims Edwards exploited her vulnerability, a pattern consistent with his alleged actions against other women.

Edwards was convicted last fall in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court of rape, kidnapping, extortion and gross sexual imposition involving multiple victims. He was sentenced to 34 to 39 years in prison for these crimes, which stemmed from incidents between 2019 and 2023 where he allegedly used his authority as an officer to coerce and assault women.

Prosecutors argued that Edwards, while on duty, targeted women in distress, including those involved in domestic disputes or drug-related calls, exploiting their situations for sexual favors or acts. The lawsuit further alleges a “widespread practice” among Warren police officers of committing sexual assaults, coercion and extortion against vulnerable women in the community.

It claims Merkel and the City of Warren failed to investigate complaints against Edwards or implement measures to curb his behavior, despite prior allegations.

Three other women filed similar civil lawsuits against Edwards, accusing him of assault and coercion during his tenure, with one case detailing an assault in a police cruiser. Edwards has denied the allegations in these previous lawsuits.

The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and a jury trial. Neither Edwards, Merkel nor the City of Warren has filed a response to the latest lawsuit.

Edwards’ criminal conviction followed a 2023 investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, prompted by complaints about his conduct.