Two Teenage Girls Call on Police to Arrest Re-offending Sex Convict
Photo: Edward Lira
FRESNO COUNTY – In 1995, Edward Lira was convicted of oral copulation with a child under 14. He served time until his release in 1999. As a convicted sex offender he is required to register his address with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office within three days of his birthday and/ or within three days of moving to a new residence. His address, along with a snippet of information related to his conviction, is available to the public through California’s Megan’s Law website.
As of last week Lira was compliant with the sex offender registry. However his compliance stopped there. On January 4th, two teenage girls bravely came forward to report the sexual abuse they endured for years, beginning in 2005. The 53-year old man met the girls through prior encounters with the girls’ family.
After identifying Lira as their abuser, the Sanger man was arrested in Fowler at his place of work. His residence on South Greenwood Ave in Sanger, where he rented a room, was searched by detectives. The owner did not know about his tenant’s criminal history.
Edward Lira is now in jail. Among the multiple felony charges that he faces is “sex acts with a child under 14.” Bail is set at $465,000.
Police believe there may be other victims. The public can contact Sergeant Jeff Kertson at 559-600-8144 or dispatch at 559-600-3111 with any information related to case #18-197.
