Deltona man allegedly preyed on young girls walking to school; officials search for more victims | FOX 35 Orlando

Deltona man allegedly preyed on young girls walking to school; officials search for more victims

Officials said they recently arrested a Deltona man in Sanford who allegedly made vulgar sexual comments towards young girls walking near their school.

Police believe there may be more victims and are asking the public for help in gathering additional information.

What led to Edward Alexander Henry's arrest?

The backstory:

In the evening hours of Feb. 26, the Sanford Police Department said it responded to two separate calls for service regarding similar incidents, which were both reported by separate and unrelated female children. Officials learned that a man was driving around the streets between Sanford Middle School and Seminole High School for three days starting Feb. 24.

Police said the girls shared similar accounts of vulgar comments made by a man. They also reported that the incidents took place in nearby locations, and they recognized the same vehicle that the man was driving.  

Through an investigation, officials said they were able to identify the man as Henry, and he was arrested on March 3.

During the arrest, Henry admitted to being in the area but denied making any contact with the girls, police said.

Has Edward Alexander Henry committed sex crimes before?

Dig deeper:

Records show Henry is a registered sex offender and was on inmate release status for lewd and lascivious exhibition when he was arrested.

Police say he was investigated seven times in 2014 in Winter Park before spending three years in prison. Officials said he had exposed himself at a pool and pizza shop.

Henry was also arrested on allegations of showing obscene materials to a minor in August in Volusia County.

What's next:

Records show Henry is being charged with two counts of lewd lascivious behavior or lascivious battery with a victim aged 12 to 16, as well as two counts of public order crimes criminal solicitation felony second degree.

Henry currently remains in the Seminole County Jail. 

Police said they recently arrested 30-year-old Edward Alexander Henry after he allegedly made vulgar sexual comments towards young girls walking near their school. (Credit: Sanford Police Department)

What they're saying:

"I cannot commend these young women enough (for) coming forward and being the catalyst that put this disgusting predator behind bars," Sanford Police Chief Cecil Smith said. "Our children should be able to walk to and from school without fear of encountering such vulgar and sickening individuals. Their bravery got this predator off our streets and behind bars where he deserves to be."

Could there be additional victims?

What you can do:

Investigators are asking anyone with information on the crimes, or anyone who may have experienced a similar crime, to contact the Sanford Police Department or Crimeline at 800 423-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimeline.org. Calls made to Crimeline will remain anonymous.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Sanford Police Department on social media and in a press release on March 4, 2025, as well as information gathered from court records.

SanfordSeminole CountyCrime and Public Safety