Detectives from the Mount Island Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU) have charged a 47-year-old North Queensland man with historical sex offences.
Police will allege between 1998 and 2023, the man assaulted six women and children known to him in Charters Towers, Cloncurry, Hughenden, Normanton, Richmond and Winton Police divisions.
It will be further alleged on some occasions the man committed the offences while armed with a firearm.
He was arrested at Brisbane Airport on 16 July 2024 and charged with seventeen counts of indecent treatment of a child, seven counts of rape, three counts each of threatening violence, two counts each of assault occasioning bodily harm, two counts of deprivation of liberty, and one count each of sexual assault, threats and common assault.
He was refused bail and appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 17 July 2024, he is due to reappear on 12 August 2024.
On 17 July 2024 a crime scene was established on a North Queensland cattle station in relation to this investigation. A search recovered an unregistered firearm and ammunition.
Officer in charge of the Mount Isa Child Protection and Investigation Unit, Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Forbes Malseed said police identified multiple witnesses across Australia and Europe during the investigation.
"This has been a protracted investigation, and we believe there are more people across the globe who can provide information to assist us," Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Malseed said.
"We are urging anyone who may be a victim to come forward and speak to us and ensure them all offending will be investigated fully.
"These victims have shown immense bravery in coming forward and we will continue to protect vulnerable young people."
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
If you've experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there's an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online via: https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/launch/SexualAssault, over the phone or face to face at a police station.
There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
