LEAGUE CITY – A federal grand jury in Galveston has returned a five-count indictment against a League City man accused of exploiting multiple minors, according to a federal press release.

The defendant, identified as 59-year-old Daryn Edwards, was taken into custody and has appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo. The indictment, handed down on November 18, includes two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, two counts of sexual exploitation of children, and one count involving the possession of child sexual abuse material.

If convicted, the coercion and enticement counts each carry potential life sentences. The sexual exploitation and possession charges carry additional maximum penalties ranging from 10 to 20 years. Edwards could also face fines up to $250,000.

The investigation was led by the FBI’s Texas City office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Valenti and is part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, which focuses on federal cases involving child exploitation.