Parkes man charged with child exploitation offence

Photo: Parkes Champion-Post

On 13 February 2019, Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) Evaluation and Referral Team received information from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children about an online user in Australia allegedly engaging in sexualised chats and sharing child exploitation material via a social media platform.

On 27 February 2019, officers from the NSW-JACET and AFP Digital Forensics executed a search warrant at a residence in Parkes, NSW where a mobile device, laptop and children’s clothing were seized.

A 35-year-old man was subsequently arrested and charged with one count of producing child pornography material for use through a carriage service, contrary to section 474.20 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for this offence is 15 years imprisonment.

AFP Detective Sergeant Jarryd Dunbar said this arrest is a great example of the strong working relationship that allows law enforcement, social media platforms, and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children to work quickly and cohesively to remove children from harm.

“The AFP and its partners will continue to aggressively pursue offenders who exploit children and this arrest should serve as a warning to those who think they can get away with it. Our presence in the online environment is growing and it’s only a matter of time before we come knocking on their door”, Detective Sergeant Dunbar said. 

NSW Police’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit Manager, Detective Acting Inspector Shelley Johns, said it is imperative that parents and carers speak with kids about online activity.

“Young people need to be careful about the type of information they provide to people they only know online – especially personal or private details – any app, game, or social media platform that allows them to be in contact with people they don’t know can put them at risk of harm,” Det A/Insp Johns said.

The man is scheduled to appear at the Parkes Local Court via audio visual link today (Thursday 28 February 2019).

Enquiries into this matter remain ongoing.

Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child exploitation material are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.