Alleged Rapist, Fugitive May Be Hiding Out in Morris County, Authorities Say

A multi-state investigation is underway to find a man accused of rape and a myriad of other sex crimes who fled Tennessee and may be hiding out in Morris County.

Edward William Tarras, 39, is a wanted man out of LaVergne, Tennessee, according to Morris County CrimeStoppers. Tarras was freed on bail and allegedly fled the state after cutting off a monitoring bracelet, authorities said.

Tarras is currently on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations Most Wanted List. He was considered a fugitive when he did not show up to a court hearing in August, 2014.

Tarras is a white male, five-feet, eight-inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes, but is known to keep his head and face shaved, authorities said.

Tarras was charged with rape, two counts of sexual battery, 19 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor over 100 times.

Tarras allegedly lured teen girls by posting ads on craigslist.com seeking models, for a photographer.

Authorities are searching for Tarras in Morris County, specifically the Mt. Olive section, because he has “numerous associates and relatives” in New Jersey as well as Florida, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Morris County CrimeStoppers by calling 973-Cop-Call or 1-800-Sheriff. Information leading to arrest brings a $1,000 reward.

Pictured: Edward Tarras. Photo Credit: Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, Morris County CrimeStoppers.

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