Former deacon pleads guilty to charges

Edmonds could now face anywhere from zero to six years in prison as part of the plea agreement.

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- On Friday, former Deacon Stephen Lee Edmonds pleaded guilty to three counts of lewd and lascivious acts against minors.

Edmonds admitted he touched the genitals of two 14-year-old boys and touched the buttocks of one 15-year-old boy as well.

Edmonds could now face up to six years in prison as part of the plea agreement. If he did not enter a guilty plea, the state attorney's office says he could have faced up to 45 years in prison.

It was an emotional day for the families of the teens. Two of the victim's families say they were satisfied with the plea.

Edmonds was a deacon at the First Baptist Church and President of the North Florida Builder's Association at the time of the allegations. He is no longer associated with those groups.

Edmonds is currently out on bond and will be sentenced in late June.

Related articles: - Transcripts released in Edmonds case - Deacon resigns from downtown church April 19, 2002 - President of builder's association arrested for molestation April 16, 2002

Edited by:	Created: 6/13/2003 5:16:15 PM Updated: 6/13/2003 11:39:08 PM Suggest News Tips & Story Leads Submit Video & Pictures