A 22-year-old man from Virginia, Tyler Jason Edmundson, has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct after allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl he met through the social media app, Snapchat. Edmundson is accused of traveling to Two Harbors, Minnesota, on two separate occasions in October to meet the victim.
The Encounter: A Meeting via Snapchat
According to the criminal complaint, Edmundson first made contact with the victim in October, after adding her on Snapchat. The two met in person in Two Harbors, where the victim and her friend were picked up by Edmundson. The group spent some time riding around in his truck before the friend was dropped off, leaving the victim alone with Edmundson. It was in this isolated parking lot where the alleged sexual assault took place.
The victim told authorities that despite her discomfort and unwillingness to engage in sexual activity, she did not voice her objections to Edmundson at the time. A second encounter took place under similar circumstances a few days later.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the victim’s disclosure during a forensic interview at the First Witness Child Advocacy Center in Duluth, authorities were able to trace Edmundson through data from his Snapchat account. The Virginia Police Department, in collaboration with local officers, confirmed Edmundson’s presence in Two Harbors on the dates of the alleged incidents.
In an interview with law enforcement, Edmundson confirmed the encounters but claimed the victim and her friend had not disclosed their ages. He also admitted to communicating with the victim through Snapchat but reportedly ended the interview when questioned further about the assault.
Given the victim’s age, she could not legally consent to any sexual activity, and any argument of mistaken age is not a valid defense.
Legal Ramifications
Edmundson has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, each of which carries a presumptive 12-year prison sentence if convicted. Despite having no prior criminal history, Edmundson was granted pretrial release under strict conditions, including a $250,000 bond, supervision by a probation officer, and no contact with the victim or minors.
The case highlights the importance of understanding the legal rights and resources available to those impacted by sexual violence. Survivors of similar assaults are encouraged to report incidents to law enforcement and seek support as they navigate their paths forward.
Know Your Rights: Take the Next Step
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, understanding your legal rights is the first step toward healing and justice. Survivors have options, whether that’s reporting the incident to law enforcement, filing a civil lawsuit, or exploring other forms of accountability. At Helping Survivors, we are here to connect you with resources, explain your rights, and introduce you to compassionate legal professionals who are committed to supporting survivors at every step.
If you are a survivor or impacted by similar circumstances, don’t navigate this journey alone. Contact Helping Survivors to connect with trusted law firms that specialize in handling cases of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment. Our team is here to help you explore your options and find the support you deserve.
