Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad have charged a man as part of their investigation into a series of alleged incidents involving sexual assault, abduction and stalking in the Dandenong Ranges area dating back over 20 years.
A 71-year-old Drouin man was arrested by police just after 8am this morning in Abbotsford.
He was subsequently interviewed in relation to two incidents in 1998, one on 24 September in Belgrave and one on 1 December in Clematis.
On both occasions, the complainants were hitch-hiking when they were allegedly picked up by a male and subsequently sexually assaulted.
Detectives have tonight issued the man with 35 charges including:
• Rape (x6);
• Abduction of a child under 16 years (x2);
• False imprisonment (x2);
• Make threats to kill (x3);
• Procuring sexual penetration of a child under 16 (x2);
• Sexual penetration - under 16 years (x6);
• Indecent act - child under 16 years (x5);
• Stalking; and
• Firearms and weapons offences.
He will face Melbourne Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning.
The investigation continues and detectives are looking at any links between these matters and a number of alleged incidents involving sexual assault, abduction and stalking in the Dandenong Ranges area between 1996 and 2000.
They are keen to speak to anyone who hitch-hiked in the Dandenong Ranges between 1996 and 2000, including those who did so without incident, as they still may have valuable information to provide to police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
