This is a joint media release between the Western Australia Police Force and Australian Federal Police.
A 21-year-old man accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl appeared in the Perth Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 14 February 2020, after being arrested by the WA Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (WA JACET).
Police will allege the man groomed a girl through a social media application before he met up with her on Tuesday, 11 February 2020 and sexually assaulted her in a public area located in Mt. Lawley
The man was arrested on 13 February 2020 by WA Police Child Abuse Squad detectives and Australian Federal Police.
The 21-year-old man from Kiara has been charged with:
• One count of Sexual Penetration of a Child aged between 13 and 16, contrary to section 321(2) of the Criminal Code Compilation Act 1913 (WA). This carries a potential maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment;
• Two counts of Indecent Dealings with a child aged between 13 and 16 years; and
• One count of Possession of a Prohibited Drug (cannabis).
The investigation is ongoing and detectives wish to speak to anyone who was in the area of a small jetty located off the Tony Di Scerni pathway in Mt. Lawley (roughly between Leslie Street and Mitchell Street) on Tuesday between 12pm and 1pm who saw a girl in a school uniform in distress.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperswa.com.au
