Kansas man arrested in connection with lewd acts

ARKANSAS CITY, Kansas — A Geuda Springs, Kansas, man was arrested Friday after allegedly committing lewd acts within view of two juvenile Arkansas City females on May 31 in Arkansas City.

Edwin C. White Jr., 46, was arrested about 5:30 p.m. July 8 by the Arkansas City Police Department on suspicion of two counts of felony lewd and lascivious behavior to a child younger than 16 after a month-long investigation into the sex crimes. He was transported to and booked into the Cowley County Jail in Winfield in lieu of $4,000 bond through Cowley County District Court in Arkansas City.

White since has posted bond and been released.

The female victims, aged 10 and 12, reported May 31 that they had been followed by a car for several blocks as they walked to a local convenience store in Arkansas City.

The vehicle was driven by a male in his 40s who was not known to either girl. When they reached the store, he pulled to the side of the road and began to engage in lewd acts in front of the two females.

The children immediately reported the incident to law enforcement. The suspect, later identified as White, left the scene prior to the arrival of an officer, but the girls provided a description of the suspect.

“The children were instrumental in providing many details as to what the suspect looked like, as well as the vehicle,” said Arkansas City Police Department Sgt. Eric Mata, who headed the investigation.

“This, as well as the utilization of investigative resources, led to the apprehension of the suspect a month later.”

Anyone with further information about this incident is asked to call Mata at (620) 441-4444.

Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Cowley County Crime Stoppers, which offers rewards of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Call (620) 442-7777 in Ark City or (620) 221-7777 in Winfield, or visit www.tipsubmit.com to make an anonymous report. An anonymous tip also can be submitted by texting ACTIPS to 847411.