How do you free the innocent?

Please help I have tried everyone else. My friend is innocent and we want our lives back and be able to be proud to be an American again.
May 15, 2002, was a typical day for Edward and his three girls; or SO THEY THOUGHT - little did they know their lives would change forever. Edward dropped his girls off at softball practice. The girls were so excited about their first year of softball. Edward went to pick up a container for his job. On his way back to the girls, out of no where, cops surrounded the truck. Edward was informed that he was being arrested on a "Child Enticement" charge. It seems that if a single father writes his daughters name and phone number and tells another child, that requested to come over to play, to have her mom call to set up a play date; that this is just a cover to seduce a child to his house. Edward was in the cruiser when the police had him try to calm down his three hysterical daughters - Leigh (9 yrs), Nichole (8 yrs.), and Evelyn (6 yrs.)- He could hear them crying and screaming for him they were so scared. He told them to calm down and as soon as he could he would come pick them up and that he loved them. He had no idea that that would be the last conversation he would ever have with the pride and joys of his world. After Edward was at the police station they ask him if he had anyone that could pick up his girls, he said yes but he needed his phone to get the numbers. This was not permitted. So CS (CS) took Edward's three girls and put them in seclusion in a foster home in another county. Edward was arraigned the next morning and released on bond with the rules that he cannot have any contact with ANY MINOR, including his own, not even supervised, until his case was over. Innocent until proven guilty? - NOT HERE. Edward went to trial in November of 2002 and a jury found him NOT GUILTY. You would think this was the end of the story but it was only the beginning. Edward was told by CS that they suspected he had sexually molested his girls. He told them from the get go that he had never harmed his children that he loved them. His girls said the same –even a medical examination turned up nothing. A psychological report was done in December 2002 and the girls still maintained that their dad did not touch them. CS gave Edward a case plan (more like an ultimatum) to complete if he wanted to ever have a chance at seeing his girls. The case plan required Edward to admit he was a child molester and get counseling for it. Edward's parents petition the court to get the girls and let them all be together. They were willing to either take the girls to Florida or move to Ohio what ever it took. Edward said he would even move out of his house and let his parents live there with his girls. He didn't think it was fair that they were losing everything. At least with his parents the girls would stay with together in a loving home. They would also be able to continue in their schools and with their friends and most importantly the girls would be with family. Edward knew it would be the hardest thing to do - stay away- but a true father would sacrifice everything for his children. CS said NO WAY the grandparents were just trying to pull a "switch and bait". Edward's parents didn't even get to speak on their day in court - the "guardian-et-lien", one Marc Fagin, and CS case worker Christina Grace and her supervisor Micki Lewis said they felt it was not in the best interest of the girls and the judge said ok - CASE CLOSED! No alternatives explored - the girls were sentenced to their prison, a life with strangers constantly telling them that their dad was a monster and that they were "abused" by this man, and the sooner they admitted it the better their lives would be.

Edward was dumbfounded how can this be possible? He was a good father. It had only been four years before that CS deemed his ex-wife "unfit" and he had got custody of the girls. As a single father, Edward, worked hard to provide a good loving home for his family. He was an ex-military police officer that served for our country but didn't miss it because his girls were everything. Edward was the type of father that took time to fix each one of the girls what they wanted for breakfast, even if they all wanted something different. Then he would take time to do each one of their hair. All three girls were very active in bowling leagues. The trophies were proudly displayed in their home. Edward's parents had moved to Florida but still remained an active roll in the girl’s lives. They would come visit when they could and talked to them every week. The girls stayed with them during the summer sometimes. Just two weeks before this tragedy struck Edward and the girls went to Florida and spent a week. They were all so happy. The girls loved grandma and grandpa but loved their "daddy" most. Any time the girls were separated from their dad they counted the minutes until he came back. Always greeting him with hugs and kisses and the entire scoop about what happen while he was gone. All three girls had their own unique personality. EVELYN had always been a little sweetheart… a child of contradictions …tiny and petite but also could be rough and tumble - a little lady but also a tomboy at times. Evelyn was happy, bright-eyed and full of fun and smiles. She went about her business and nothing bothered her. She loved to tease her grand-dad and play jokes on him. She loved to sit on her grandma’s lap and read or watch TV and cuddle. Evelyn was crazy about her Daddy. When he was around, she was his little shadow. She obviously felt very safe and secure when he was nearby. NICHOLE had always been the quieter one of the three girls…the most sensitive and quickest to let her feelings show. She’s always been a loving, compassionate little girl; but also timid. Nichole had never been a "fighter" and wore her heart on her sleeve. She was the one who would always want to "help" - whether cooking supper, baking, setting the table, or just doing housework in general. If there was nothing she could help with, she’d sit in the kitchen with her grandma and visit. They had many, many long conversations while her sisters were off, playing in another room. Nichole loved her Daddy very, very much, and was relaxed and content when he was near. Her heart was broken when she and her sisters were taken away by Children’s Services because she was led to believe that her Daddy abandoned her. LEIGH was the oldest, and had always been very mature for her age. She’s was a very independent little girl, and had always been protective of her family. Leigh was loving, compassionate and obedient; however, unlike her sisters, she’s more of a "fighter" and will stand up for what she believes is right and fair…she wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. Like her sisters, she always looked forward to her Daddy’s homecoming and was obviously most content whenever he was nearby. She especially enjoyed having her Dad fix her hair -- sometimes in braids, sometimes with a curling iron -- nobody else could take his place. All three of the girls had shown an unwavering sense of trust and security when they were with their Dad. They love and respect him and look forward to being with him - whether their time together is enjoying some outside activity or merely sitting around watching TV. Their Dad has a huge collection of children’s movies for them. Whenever a new one came out, he’d get it for them. They were truly happy, content and secure, and were looking forward to starting their very first softball season, when the Children’s Services people took them away and continue to this day to tear their lives apart.

Edward's parents got to have two supervised visits with the girls but those visits were only granted after persistent of the grandparents. During the visits the girls were so happy to see their grandparents but knew they were not allowed to even mention their dad. The grandparents were able to slip in that their dad still loved them and when Nichole heard her dad was still fighting for them she said she "hoped so". The grandparents sensed the sadness of all three of the girls. At first Edward and his parents were allowed to send gifts on holidays and birthdays but there is not guarantee the girls were told who they were from and the gift for Christmas of 2003 were not given to the girls and Edward and his parents were told no more gifts would be accepted and no more visits - the reason -"it was interfering with the girl's progress."

Once the girls were in the system they became very sad, angry and confused little girls. Edward's oldest daughter was accused of being to "confident" in herself and very "controlling and bossy" of her two young sisters. Nichole and Evelyn were accused of being "baby like" and "whining". All three of them were acting aggressively toward other members of the foster home, as well as each other. CS’s solution – drugs!! All the girls were placed on different medications for ADHD, anxiety, and depression. The only reason these once happy fun-loving children would be acting like this was certainly because their father had sexually, as well as physically abused them. It would have nothing to do with them being scared as hell in a strange house cut off from everything they once knew. Eventually the oldest, Leigh, was separated from her sisters and put into a foster home of a single person who want her to misbehave so the mother would get more money. Leigh did not last at the home long and was transferred to a Juvenile Detention center for "troubled youth" until she got placed with her mother. The once "unfit" mother had completed her case plan and jumped through every hoop CS asked. CS closed the case on Leigh. CS didn't need Leigh they had the youngest, most vulnerable and easy to conform girls.

Intense counseling and no contact finally paid off for CS in February of 2005. (note sarcasm) Edward was arrested on 1 count of "Gross Sexual Imposition", but the charge was dropped pending additional charges pending. (Now in case you have forgotten these young girls had been held in seclusion since May 2002. That is a lot of THERAPY. In May of 2005 a warrant for Edward's arrest was issued - this time for 36 counts of Gross Sexual Imposition - 18 for each of his youngest daughters. For the record Edward was in New Orleans at a bowling convention when he was informed of the charges and arrest awaiting him and he came back to OHIO not to MEXICO, which was closer if he was truly guilty. He also is an owner/ operator of a truck so he made good money the whole time and never disappeared. Matter of fact he went to court every time - even though court case got "bumped" from the schedule and "postponed" for several reasons. Edward agreed to stay away from his girls. He loved them and had known the address of the foster home since one month into all of this and never went to his girls. He thought the justice system was going to protect him he is innocent. I know you’re asking "doesn't he have counsel" - answer is yes but if you are an innocent person how do you know what attorney is going to do the best. Edward's first attorney quit then he hired an attorney who said he was good and could fight in the children service case but resigned when criminal charges came (he wasn't that type of attorney). Edward paid $20,000 to a big legal firm in 2005. He remained on bond free to do as he please as long as he wasn't alone with any minor and that he didn't have any contact with the "victims" of the case. Several hearing were held in both the custody case and the criminal case but the custody case was always continued because the criminal case was on going.
Mean while Edward can only sit, wait and watch as his little girls become different. According to the court documents both Nichole and Evelyn were arguing and getting into trouble all the time. Even on all the medication.
At no point in counseling notes is there reference to telling the children that their dad loves them (even if he was the monster they claim - that is part of where the come from. WHY would you repeatedly tell children that they come from such a horrible person?) Edward's legal counsel said they were working on the case and he just needed to be patient. JUSTICE TAKES ALONG TIME.

In Sept of 2006 Edward had a hearing in regards to his oldest child, Leigh. By this time, Leigh was in the custody of her mother and no active CS case was open - so no rules for the mother to abide by legally and Edward's conditions of bond were only no "unsupervised contact" with minors and "victims" which was only his younger two daughters. Leigh wanted to speak to her dad. She has always maintained his innocents. The mother and Edward agreed on "supervised" contact. At first Leigh had a visit with Edward and his parents. She was so happy. She knew that all the "bad things" said were not true. After that Leigh would have visits with Edward and his girlfriend supervised or the mother. Leigh's grades started improving and the mother reported that her behavior was getting better. Leigh's bond that she had with her dad just came right back with no hesitation. I find this amazing since after all CS said he did. Leigh told Edward and his girlfriend about things that the foster family would do. They made her burn a stuffed animal that she got at birth because she left it in the barn. The counselor, Leslie Berry, told them to focus their anger toward "Edward". She said she wouldn't say what they wanted so she got out. In November of 2006 Edward was notified that the charges of Gross Sexual Imposition (GSI) were being dropped and new charges were being filed this time for 6 counts of "Rape" and 12 counts GSI. Edward was arrested and spent three days in jail. His counsel let it slip that Edward had contact with Leigh to prosecutor. During Edward's bond hearing on new charges he was released under the same bond, $50,000 (wow), BUT this time no contact with any child under the age of 13 and no unsupervised contact with children 13 to 18 years, EXCLUDING, LEIGH age 15. Edward got out and had a phone call with Leigh and told her he loved her but couldn't talk to her anymore until his case was over. LEIGH was heartbroken. It gets worse CS removed Leigh from her mother and put her back into the foster system - claiming the mother allowed Leigh to have "UNSUPERVISED" visitation with her dad and that the mother but Leigh in harms way. Leigh still remains in foster care. No laws were broken but her freedom was taken. Leigh's grade dropped and her "behavior problems" began again. Edward was again free to do whatever he wanted - just no contact with his kids and no minors under 13. Prosecutors had set the trap. Edward's girlfriend had three daughters 16, 15 and the magic # - 7! Edward obtained new counsel because the legal firm wanted more money and Edward felt like they weren't representing him the best they could. The new attorney was very aggressive and seemed to be confident that Edward could beat this. In April of 2007 Franklin County detectives went to Edward's neighbors and told them that he was indicted on rape and GSI and want to video tape his house. Of course these grandparents of three young attractive minor girls that have lived beside this man for four years and had never had any problems or suspicions, so they agreed. The detectives "alleged" to video taped Edward and his girlfriend in the front yard of his house with you know who - her 7 year old daughter. Prosecutions "allege" that the young girl was riding her bike in the drive, swinging on a swing - all with BOTH Edward and his girlfriend presents. SNAP !!! THE TRAP GOES OFF. Edward was arrested on May 15, 2007 - his bond revoked because of this tape. Just as a reminder this is exactly 5 years to the date Edward was arrested for Child Enticement - the charge he was found NOT GUILTY of! Five years of absolutely NO CONTACT with his younger girls. No contact for the grandparents either. The very short-lived contact of his oldest caused him pain, because Edward knew that cost Leigh her freedom too - even if no laws were broken. Let me interject - there are SEVERAL people who have children and have had Edward around their children and he has never acted suspicious or inappropriate. All of these people are willing to testify on Edward's behalf.
Edward's attorney said he was working on a deal with the prosecutor. Edward sat in jail for 14 weeks the deal offered from the prosecutor to this "child rapist" in their book - two counts of F4's "inappropriate sexual contact with a minor" (if a high school teacher had consensual sex with high school student - same charge) - Five years probations and recommended NO JAIL TIME and Edward's out on his own recognances during pre-sentence. Worse case sceneior is 3 years prison with time served applied. Edward was advised by his new counsel that this was a "good deal". No Jail versus what could happen in trial. Any one of the rape charges is LIFE any of the GSI holds at least 10 years. And Edward would have to sit in jail until his trial which God knows how long that would be - this case has already been active for FIVE years. Edward decided after 15 weeks that he would take the plea. He was taken to court on Wednesday, Aug 22, 2007 - the judge showed up late and said he didn't want to hear the case that day and that he would hear it on Monday, August 27th. Why not? The judge is free what is another week to him? On Monday the 27th Edward was transported to court again. This time the judge didn't show up at all. Edward entered his guilty plea in front of another Judge. Edward held up his end and now the prosecuting attorney who said they agreed no jail started back stepping - reading out loud every line of the grossly exaggerated indictment of rape and GSI that they "were letting go". The prosecutor made it know to all what a "creep" they alleged Edward to be in to the judge that they only agreed to no prison time to get Edward to take the plea and to "spare the children" a trial, BUT the prosecutor acknowledges that it is up to the judge if wants to he can give him prison time. The "substitute judge" said he would not give judgment on recognance bond so Edward could be free until sentencing on Oct. 16, 2007, that the existing Judge, that has not shown twice now, would have to rule on it. So Edward went back to jail and sits and waits to see if his attorney can get a bond hearing with the original judge who could have heard the case on Wednesday Aug 22nd - but couldn't be bothered. Week after week Edward waited to here if the judge would hear his case. The first week the judge (Honor Thies) had trial, then another time he was too busy, then the following week he said to not reschedule he would just talk to the prosecutor and Edward's attorney in chambers. That is whenever time allowed. Time was never convenient because no meetings accured. SO Edward and his family and friends just waited until Oct. 16th. The outcome? - NOTHING - someone forgot to process paper work to have a presentence investigation for the judge so once again all hope is gone and Edward is taken back to his cell. Next court date Thursday November 15th - we were all told that THIS is it the JUDGE hisself said NO MORE CONTINUANCES. November 15th arrives, Edward's parents drove up from Florida for the 5th time in 6 months, friends schedule the afternoon off to be there to show support and in the 11th hour - the case was removed from the docket. Children Services said that the two victims of the case wanted to be present "to see justice served". Unfortunately one of the girls had a doctors appointmet and the 15th was not convenient. So the new date Nov 20th. Edward's attorney said everything looked good. The prosecutor Angie Kanepa was still in aggreement with probation and listed as sexual orientated offender (10 yr - public surveliance) and Edward should be coming home. Edward's parents attended court. Their youngest granddaughter - now 12 years old was shelter as if she was the president and she didn't even ackowlege them. The prosecutor gave the same speach as she did in the prior court sentenceing - referring to Edward as a "PREDATOR" and how there was only one "victim" present because the other "victim" was in REHAB. Does this sound like she is on board with the plea agreement that Edward was suckered in to? Edward got to speak but didn't have many words - what do you say when you are completely eniated and talked about like you are the scum of the earth in front of your parents and even worst that your youndgest daughter who he barley recognized was sitting there. The judge said the crimes were to "HORRIFIC" and could not go with the plea agreement. He cowardly sentence an innocent man to 17 months on each count (max is 18) and said Edward would have to register as a SEXUAL PREDATOR (live sentence of public surveliance and humiliation) . Why do I use the word COWARDLY - had the judge sentence Edward to the max Edward could appeal the decision but since the judge cut off 1 month on each sentence Edward is screwed and forced to serve the time. So now after the dance is over Edward is being processed to be shipped into our prison system. His release date March 15, 2010!!! Edward IS INNOCENT!
So I know this seems scattered and somewhat out of order but I only began to scratch the surface of the horror and mutilation that this case has caused on many innocent people. YES the parties involved have gone to state levels, wrote letters to Ohio representatives, The President, and called Attorney Generals office. Even tried to get Oprah, Dr. Phil, etc to do a story. The fact is Edward is a common man not famous or rich - like Paris or Britney. Edward is not front news story because sadly enough, this happens every day. Good loving families are shattered in the name of "JUSTICE"! The system is broken and politicians only care about getting elected and the prosecution wants a win at any cost - including the childhood of three innocent children.
SO I ASK OF ANYONE WHO READS THIS AND CAN GIVE ANY HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS I WOULD APPRECIATE IT. WHERE DO Edward, Edward'S PARENTS, AND Edward'S FRIENDS MAKE NOISE TO GET THIS CASE NOTICED?