Maurice Edwards shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Maurice, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have you stood up for someone when it cost you something?
Yes. One of the most compelling experiences I’ve had was making a solemn promise to a grieving mother after her son was murdered. I vowed not to rest until the person responsible was brought to justice. That promise led to a 13-hour manhunt, culminating in the suspect’s arrest. This wasn’t just a professional duty, it was a deeply personal commitment that demanded emotional strength, time, and relentless effort. I stood up for that young man and his family, carrying the emotional weight of their loss as my own.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Maurice T. Edwards, a nationally recognized expert in child protection and human trafficking investigations. Over the course of my 15-year law enforcement career, I’ve led more than 170 human trafficking investigations with a 100% conviction rate, rescued countless children, and helped shape national best practices for trauma-informed, survivor-centered justice.
What makes my journey unique is the deep compassion and integrity I bring to every case. My work has always been about more than arrests—it’s about restoring dignity, building trust, and creating systems that truly serve survivors.
Today, I serve as a national trainer and subject matter expert with the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators (IAHTI). Through IAHTI, I help develop investigative standards, train law enforcement and service providers nationwide, and advocate for policies that prioritize victim safety and accountability. My presentations are known for blending real-world experience with practical tools that empower professionals to act with empathy and precision.
My Story, which reflects the heart behind the mission and the lives impacted along the way. Whether through training, advocacy, or mentorship, I remain committed to being a voice for the voiceless and a force for justice.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that truly reshaped how I see the world occurred in 2013. I was on my way to work when I heard a call come over the radio—a 15-year-old boy had been shot and killed. My heart sank. I had just spoken with him the day before, encouraging him after his return from a juvenile program. I saw potential in him. I believed in him.
When I arrived at the scene and saw his lifeless body, the weight of that moment was overwhelming. I had to return to his home—the same place I had stood just 24 hours earlier—and tell his mother that her son was gone. That conversation, that grief, and the promise I made to her that I wouldn’t rest until justice was served changed me forever.
I led a 13-hour manhunt that ended with the arrest of the suspect. But it wasn’t just about solving a case; it was about honoring a life, standing in the gap for a grieving family, and reaffirming why I do this work. That day taught me that justice isn’t just a job—it’s a responsibility. It’s personal. And it’s sacred.
The recognition I received afterward meant a great deal to me, not because of the accolades, but because it affirmed the impact of that moment. Sheriff Don Eslinger wrote:
“This level of dedication and ability to build trusting relationships exemplifies the true meaning of being a Seminole County Deputy Sheriff. Your professionalism in carrying out the Sheriff’s Office mission is appreciated.”
Sergeant Chris Stronko added:
“Deputy Edwards’ dedication and community engagement exemplify the values of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. His professionalism and commitment to service are commendable and reflect positively on our agency.”
That case didn’t just shape my career; it shaped my calling.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time when I almost gave up, but it wasn’t due to the trauma I witnessed in the field—it was the way I was treated within the very system I had dedicated my life to serving.
After years of leading high-impact investigations and building a reputation grounded in integrity, I suddenly found myself targeted over something as trivial as parking tickets. During my investigations, I had used my unmarked vehicle and incurred a few violations. In good faith, I reached out to my sergeant for guidance through an email. Unfortunately, that email was weaponized against me.
It was escalated and twisted into an accusation of submitting a false official statement, which sparked a disciplinary investigation. Behind the scenes, this was a response fueled by retaliation, envy, and racism. A captain even warned me to “be careful,” confirming that my efforts to hold others accountable had made me a target. This was not merely retaliation; it was a coordinated effort to silence a Black man who had risen too high, too fast, and too honorably.
Despite my spotless record and reputation for honesty, I was left to bear the weight of a vendetta disguised as disciplinary action. That moment shook me to my core. I began to question everything—my career, my purpose, my future.
But I didn’t give up.
I remembered the survivors who had trusted me when they had nowhere else to turn. I thought of the families I had stood beside during their darkest hours. I recalled the promise I made to God: to save lives and make a difference before I left this earth.
What kept me going were the people who believed in me. Lisa Haba, a former Assistant State Attorney, said,
“Every case he brought to me was thoroughly investigated and well organized. We secured a plea or guilty verdict in every case. His trauma-informed approach earned the trust of victims who said, ‘I don’t trust cops, except Det. Edwards.’”
Nicole P. Phillips, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor, wrote,
“Maurice Edwards’ human trafficking investigations are impeccable. He has developed ingenuity in his approach, allowing me to proceed with my cases without the participation of the victim.”
Even in the face of betrayal, I was reminded that my work mattered, that I mattered, and that the mission was larger than the moment.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to fighting human trafficking—no matter how long it takes.
This isn’t just a job for me. It’s a life-defining mission. From my early days investigating missing and runaway juveniles to leading federal human trafficking cases, I’ve seen firsthand how exploitation destroys lives. I’ve also seen how justice, when pursued with compassion and purpose, can restore dignity and hope.
One of the most powerful beliefs I hold is that every child deserves to be safe, seen, and free. That belief has guided me through more than 170 trafficking investigations, each one a battle against darkness. And I’ve never backed down—not even when the cases were complex, emotionally draining, or politically sensitive.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people tell the story of a man who stood in the gap—who answered the call to protect the vulnerable, even when it came at great personal cost.
I want them to say I was more than an investigator. That I was a light in dark places. That I listened when others turned away. That I believed in survivors when they didn’t believe in themselves. That I fought for justice with compassion, and never let bureaucracy or bias stop me from doing what was right. I hope they remember the words of those who worked beside me—like Sheriff Dennis Lemma, who once said:
“Maurice has the passion and the drive and the ability to make men and women he comes in contact with be better people.”
And I hope they remember what I said when reflecting on my journey:
“God had a plan for me. It was to save lives and make a difference before I leave this earth. I can confidently say that I did not let Him down.”
That’s the story I hope they tell. Not just of a decorated career—but of a legacy of light.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
