Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a Port Stephens man after he allegedly attempted to groom a child through social media under Strike Force Trawler.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by Sex Crimes Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
In May 2024, strike force detectives launched an investigation into a 52-year-old man after he allegedly attempted to groom a child online using social media.
Following extensive investigations detectives executed a search warrant at a home in the Port Stephens suburb of Medowie about 7.30am yesterday (Thursday 27 June 2024).
During the search, detectives located and seized an electronic device and arrested the occupant, a 52-year-old man.
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station where he was charged with use carriage service to groom/procure person under 16 and four counts of fail to comply with reporting obligations.
He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Friday 28 June 2024).
Investigations under Strike Force Trawler continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators 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.
