WASHINGTON-- Scott Edwards, a former Lincoln County, Missouri Sheriff's Department detective, was sentenced last week to 10 years in prison for violating the constitutional rights of five women through aggravated sexual abuse and sexual contact, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The incidents occurred when the women were participants in the Lincoln County Drug Court program from February 2009 to November 2010, according to federal authorities.

The Lincoln County Drug Court contracts with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to employ law enforcement officers to serve as part-time "drug court trackers" who monitor the whereabouts and curfews of drug court participants, according to federal officials.

While engaged as a "drug court tracker," both on duty and off duty, Edwards, 50, abused his position of authority and engaged in sexual acts with five female drug court participants without their consent. These sexual assaults resulted in bodily injury to one or more of the victims and included aggravated sexual abuse and sexual contact with the female victims, according to U.S. Attorney.