Police will lay 210 additional charges against a man at court today, following an investigation into the origin of thousands of images and videos located on electronic devices seized in Bangalow last year.
On Wednesday November 22, 2017, officers from Tweed/Byron Police District conducted an inspection at the Bangalow property as part of the reporting conditions of a then 41-year-old man.
Police located a laptop, an external hard drive, and various electronic storage devices allegedly containing child abuse material. The man was subsequently arrested and charged with various offences.
During a further search warrant at the property the following day, police seized digital cameras and other items relevant to the investigation.
Local detectives requested assistance from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, who led the investigation under Strike Force Paluma.
A preliminary review of the digital files revealed thousands of videos and photographs capturing various incidents, including sexual and indecent assault, break-ins, peep and pry, filming for indecent purposes and producing child abuse material.
Following extensive investigations, Strike Force Paluma detectives will lay an additional 210 charges on the now 42-year-old man at Tweed Heads Local Court today (Wednesday, August 22).
The charges include aggravated sexual assault, aggravated break, enter and steal, produce child abuse material, bestiality, stalking, and larceny.
Police will allege in court the man committed various offences against at least 161 victims across the Tweed and Byron areas between 2009 and 2017.
They say they have identified 52 of the victims and spoken to some of them. They are hoping to speak to more.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
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