Gainesville man arrested for exposing himself across from playground full of children

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Edward Cosby Ricks III, 28, was arrested yesterday afternoon for allegedly exposing himself across the street from a school playground full of children at Rawlings Elementary School.

The victim told the responding Gainesville Police Department officer that she was driving out of the parking lot of Rawlings Elementary School (3500 NE 15th Street) at about 2:52 p.m. on February 21 when she saw a man standing directly across the street, leaning against a light pole. She said his genitals were exposed and he was “making a jerking motion.” She said she could clearly see his genitals from across the street.

The victim said she followed him as he walked to the intersection of NE 15th Street and NE 39th Avenue, where she pointed him out to the officer.

The officer reported that at the time of the incident, there were a large number of children on the playground at the school, very close to the roadway and easily able to see Ricks.

Post Miranda, Ricks reportedly declined to speak to the officer.

Ricks has been charged with indecent exposure. According to court documents, he has been designated a Violent Felony Offender of Special Concern; he has seven felony convictions (three violent) and three misdemeanor convictions (none violent) and has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2022. Judge William Davis set bail at $25,000.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.