JACET arrest – Roper Gulf region

The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) arrested a man in a Roper Gulf community late last week.

Members from Northern Territory Police and the Australian Federal Police executed a search warrant at the man’s residence on Thursday 31 March, locating a mobile phone containing child abuse material.

The 49-year-old man was arrested without incident hand has been charged with:

  • s474.22A – Possess or control child abuse material x 1
  • s474.22 – Transmit child abuse material x 4

He was remanded in custody to appear in Darwin Local Court at a later date.

Detective Acting Sergeant Mark Cronin said, “Protecting children from exploitation remains a priority for police, and this arrest shows that no matter how remote your location may be, we will track down offenders and arrest them for their crimes.”

AFP Detective Sergeant Richard Matejic said anyone who viewed child abuse material online was harming a child, and helping to prop up a vile industry that would abuse more children to satisfy the demand.

“This arrest should serve as a warning that law enforcement is dedicated to fighting child sexual exploitation and abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court,” Detective Sergeant Matejic said.

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