Cops find 4000 child porn files, 'lifelike child doll designed for sexual use' in California rental belonging to man arrested for secretly filming guests

A California man has been arrested and charged after police discovered he allegedly filmed people who stayed in his vacation home. He has also been accused of possessing over 4,000 files containing child sexual abuse material. While at the home, authorities also found a "lifelike child doll" that was designed for sexual purposes.

Christian Parmalee Edwards, 44, was taken into custody on March 19 at his home around 15 miles south of Yosemite National Park, according to the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. The property, which police say was also being used as a short-term rental, had hidden cameras where Edwards was secretly recording his guests without their knowledge, police said.

As police searched the home, they also found over 4,000 files of child sexual abuse material. "Detectives also found Mr. Edwards to be in possession of a lifelike child doll designed for sexual use," the Madera County Sheriff's Office told Fox News. "The dolls hands were bound."

New children's clothing was also found on the premises of the property. The spokesman for the police added, "This showcases the escalation in behaviors from viewing digital images to filming to physical behaviors." Edwards was watching a video that had been recently recorded when police arrived on the scene to serve him the warrant.

The investigation had originally come about from a tip stemming from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The center flags suspected child pornography distribution. Edwards has been booked into Madera County Jail and has been charged with multiple felonies.

The charges include invasion of privacy as well as others related to child sexual abuse material. “Protecting the innocent, upholding the law, and holding offenders accountable remains a top priority," Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue said.