What Edwin did was dopey and/or nosy and rash.

Judging by the video and the info, he should have waited longer before "playing superhero" with someone's child. He also "when playing superhero", should never have taken the child out of the store. He instead (if he was so determined to "save the day"), should have begun by going aisle-to-aisle (closest aisles first, obviously) asking any women if they were missing a child. If he had no luck that way, he could have then resorted to the use of the store's intercom.

People are so affected by the "protect-the-poor-"ALWAYS"neglected-little-children" virus that infects our time, that they have lost their scruples in the process. They've gone overboard (overkill) with the whole thing. In this case, the example is Edwin, who has gone overboard with the "protect-the-children" mindset.

The Mom is very honorable and understanding for not pressing charges.

The Sheriff's office is totalitarian for insisting charges be pursued, especially in ignorance of the Mom's feelings.

Edwin does not deserve a criminal record from this, since there was no ill intent. But I do think some mandatory counseling and advice on how to act more rationally in such cases, is DEFINATELY in order!!! Some community service might also be fitting. This is the non-anarchist side of Stahntii suggesting such prescriptions.