A Cottonwood man has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on multiple occasions.
Richard Edwards, 55, of Cottonwood faces multiple charges in connection with the crimes.
According to a release from the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, on Monday detectives were alerted by the parents of a teenage daughter that a person known to them had sexually assaulted their daughter in a Prescott area home.
The victim reportedly told detectives that Edwards had contacted her on the Snapchat social media application earlier this year, "expressing sexual desire for her."
Officials say Edwards eventually showed up at the teen's door unannounced.
Detectives reportedly learned that Edwards was able to find the victim through Snapchat's location sharing feature.
When the victim opened the door, he reportedly grabbed her and forced her into a bedroom where he sexually assaulted her. Edwards allegedly threatened to kill her if she talked.
No family was home at the time of the alleged assault, officials said.
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According to YCSO, in the following weeks Edwards, "was able to be present in situations that allowed him to continue molesting the victim at other locations."
Officials say the victim notified a family member of the alleged assaults and YCSO was then contacted.
Detectives found Edwards at his Cottonwood home Tuesday and took him into custody for several charges including sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual conduct with a minor, lure minor for sexual exploitation and threatening.
Edwards remains in custody on a $500,000 bond.
Anyone with additional information on Edwards in connection with his arrest is asked to call Detective David Moya at 928-771-3278.
