Detectives from the Child Abuse Squad – Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team WA Team (JACET) have charged a 43-year-old man as part of an ongoing investigation into his online activities.
As part of their ongoing investigation, detectives executed a search warrant on the man’s Ballajura home on 8 February 2022. During the search a number of electronic items including mobile phones, storages devices, a laptop and computer allegedly belonging to the man were seized. Cannabis and Methylamphetamine were also seized.
It is alleged during a preliminary analysis of some of the electronic devices, specialist detectives identified images classed as child exploitation material.
The man was charged with Possessing Child Exploitation Material, Possession of Prohibited Drugs with Intent to Sell or Supply (Cannabis); Possess a Prohibited Drug (Methylamphetamine); and Possessed any Drug Paraphernalia in or on which there was a Prohibited Drug or Plant. He appeared in court on 9 February 2022 and was remanded into custody and is currently in prison.
A full detailed forensic analysis of the electronic devices seized enabled specialist officers to identify four victims the man had allegedly offended against. A further search warrant was executed at homes in Ballajura and the shire of Boyup Brook. The man was further charged with additional criminal child sexual offences on 29 March 2022.
The 43-year-old man is due to appear before the Midland Magistrates Court today, 19 April 2022 charged with 134 offences. The breakdown of charges is:-
• 58 counts of Indecent Dealing of a Child over 13 and under 16 years;
• 34 counts of Indecently Records a Child over 13 and under 16;
• 38 counts of Sexually Penetrated a child of or over 13 and under 16;
• Five counts of Encourages a Child over 13 and Under 16 to Engage in Sexual Behaviour;
• Three counts of Possessing Child Exploitation Material;
• Two counts of Indecent Dealings with Child under 13 years;
• Two counts of Indecently Records a Child under 13;
• One count of Child under 16: persistent sexual conduct with; and
• One count of With Intent to Commit a Crime, Showed Offensive Material to a Child under 16 years.
The investigation is ongoing and detectives urge anyone with any information relating to this investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child exploitation material are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the Report Abuse button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
