A man will appear in court charged by Strike Force Trawler detectives following an investigation into alleged online grooming in the state’s Central West.
Earlier this month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from Peak Hill.
Police will allege in court that the person believed they were speaking with a 14-year-old boy and engaged in conversations about sexually explicit acts.
Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 38-year-old man at a home in Peak Hill about 8.30am today (Wednesday 16 December 2020).
Detectives executed a search warrant at the home and seized electronic devices, which will undergo further examination.
The man was taken to Parkes Police Station, where he was charged with using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 for sexual activity, and use a carriage service to transmit indecent communication to a child under 16.
He was refused bail and is due to appear before Dubbo Local Court tomorrow (Thursday 17 December 2020).
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
