Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) detectives have charged a 68-year-old Gordonvale man with 121 child sex offences as part of Operation Tango Welsh.
Operation Tango Welsh commenced in June 2021 after police received a report in relation to the alleged historical indecent treatment of children in the Cairns area between 1994 and 2016.
Following extensive investigations, police located a further 13 alleged victims.
The 68-year-old man was arrested in Yarrabah on Saturday. He was denied police bail and is expected to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court today.
The man has been charged with 12 counts of rape, 80 counts of indecent treatment of a child, 19 counts of supply drug to minor, six counts of procure to commit, one count each of sexual assault, grooming child under 16 with intent, unlawful intercourse of child under 16 years, unlawful intercourse of child under 16 years child and unlawful sodomy person under 18 years.
The bravery of the survivors of this matter coming forward has allowed Police to progress it to this stage and support is being provided to these people and their families.
Anyone with information or who believes they or someone they know may have been impacted by these matters are asked to contact police.
Investigations remain ongoing.
If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
