A former 18-year veteran of the Warren Police Force waived his right to a preliminary hearing Thursday, sending his case on charges of rape and burglary to the Trumbull County Grand Jury.

Michael Edwards Jr., 44. was arrested on January 29 on two counts of rape and two counts of aggravated burglary with firearm specifications.

Edwards's defense counsel asked for a reduced bond, which is $750,000 cash, with the condition that he has no contact with the victim. Judge Patricia Knepp denied the request.

The defense's attorney also asked if the judge could grant a 10 percent cash surety, which the judge also declined, stating that Edwards is not charged with one felony count, but four. The victim in the case also opposed the reduction of the bond.

Edwards has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Edwards has been set at $750,000 cash with the condition that he has no contact with the victim.

According to Warren Municipal Court Records, the alleged incident that resulted in the two rape counts and one of the burglary counts took place on Friday, January 19, 2024. The other burglary count stems from an alleged incident five days earlier. The name or names of the alleged victims from both cases are sealed.

The case will now be turned over to the Trumbull County Grand Jury.