A former Warren City Police Officer returns to the same Trumbull County Courtroom on Thursday where a jury found him guilty of several counts of gross sexual imposition, sexual battery, and two counts of rape, all with firearm specifications, as well as extortion, theft in office and dereliction of duty.

Edwards, who turned 44 on Sunday, was fired from the police force in January after the first of six women came forward alleging that while on duty, Edwards forcefully touched the victim’s breasts, buttocks, and genitalia and forced them to have various forms of sexual acts with him.

Nearly all the victims were either prostitutes or drug addicts. Prosecutors said Edwards took advantage of these factors and threatened to leak sensitive information about them if they did not submit to his sexual advances.

On Tuesday, Judge Cynthia Wescott Rice denied Michael Edward Jr.’s motion for a mistrial and scheduled a sentencing hearing for 1 o’clock Thursday afternoon.

Defense attorney Dave Betras tells 21 News he will be appealing the verdict.