South Alabama Deputies Arrest 2 for Child Sexual Abuse

A Florida man and an Alabama woman have been arrested on multiple child sex crimes following a multi-state investigation aided by the FBI.

The Dale County (Alabama) Sheriff’s Office said it launched  an investigation after Daleville police notified deputies of a suspected sexual abuse of a child case in the county’s jurisdiction, WDHN reported.

The investigation led to two suspects — 29-year-old Laura Eden of Midland City, Alabama, and 33-year-old James Crum of Crawfordville, Florida — and a search of Crum’s home with the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office.

The evidence recovered from Florida, combined with evidence they gleaned from interviews and electronic devices, led to the arrests of Eden and Crum.

Dale County deputies charged Eden with sodomy, sexual abuse of a child less than 12, and possession of child pornography. Crum has been charged with traveling to meet a minor for unlawful sex acts, rape, sexual abuse of a child less than 12, and possession of child pornography.

Mason Bynum, chief deputy of the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, said more charges are expected over several jurisdiction — including federal charges.

“We are going to do everything we can to make sure they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, both federal and state,” he said.

The Dothan, Alabama, Police Department and the Dale and Geneva County District Attorney’s Office are also assisting in the investigation.

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[Featured image: James Crum, left, and Laura Eden/Dale County Sheriff’s Office]