Who is Saleh Edwards? Wilkes-Barre man faces weapons of mass destruction charges
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A counterterrorism investigation involving local, state and federal authorities led to the arrest of a Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania man accused of attempting to possess or manufacture weapons of mass destruction.
Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce’s Office said Saleh Edwards, 24, was charged with criminal attempt to possess or manufacture a weapon of mass destruction.
The DA’s office, Wilkes-Barre City Police and the FBI launched an investigation following a report of suspicious activity involving a resident on Saint Clair Street.
FBI special agents, along with county detectives and Wilkes-Barre police, conducted a court-authorized search of Edwards’ home on Sunday.
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The alleged home of a man arrested on terrorism-related weapons charges in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. (Google Maps)
Court documents related to the case have been filed under seal.
According to WNEP Key court records remain sealed in Scranton, limiting publicly available details about what investigators found during their search of Edwards’ home. The documents may remain sealed until a preliminary hearing, tentatively scheduled for Jan. 5.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Sanguedolce for additional information about the investigation.
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Photo of Luzerne County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce speaking at a news conference. (Sam Sanguedolce for DA via Facebook)
Sanguedolce told WNEP he would not discuss a possible motive or say whether investigators believe Edwards made or used an explosive device. It was unclear whether Edwards had retained an attorney.
The prosecutor also said the investigation began after a neighbor on Saint Clair Street reported suspicious activity at the home.
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Inside a courtroom with a gavel clearly visible. (iStock)
Edwards was arraigned Sunday evening by Magistrate District Judge Donald L. Whittaker; but refused bail, citing concerns that the defendant posed a danger to the public.
Court records show Edwards is still being held in the county jail.
Court files reportedly reviewed by WNEP show that the district attorney’s office filed at least one sealed arrest warrant on Sunday. Luzerne County Presiding Judge Stefanie J. Salavantis approved the 60-day sealing order.
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Authorities closed down Saint Clair Street while Wilkes-Barre police, county detectives and FBI special agents executed the search warrant.
