Warning: This media release contains details of a criminal investigation involving the physical abuse of a child and information in the below may contain content that is confronting, disturbing and distressing.
Detectives from Emerald Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged a 44-year-old man with weapons offences and deprivation of liberty following an alleged incident last week
The 44-year-old was arrested by detectives following investigations into illegal weapons and illicit drugs on an Emerald property on 26 May.
Items seized from the property including a mobile phone were forensically examined and found to contain an alleged image depicting two children, bound with duct tape.
In the image it will be allege the man can be seen pointing what appears to be a firearm at the children.
It will be further alleged the image had been forwarded on to several other people after being taken.
Detectives conducted further investigations and were able to identify the children, both only three years of age and ensure they were safe.
The 44-year-old man has been charged with unlawful possession of category H firearms, dangerous conduct with weapon and two counts of deprivation of liberty.
He has been given strict bail conditions and is expected to appear in the Emerald Magistrates Court on 26 August.
The children were known, but not related to the man.
In a separate unrelated incident, detectives arrested and charged a 59-year-old man on 18 July with supply of dangerous drugs and sexual offences against a child following concerns were raised by concerned community members.
It is alleged between June and July 2025 the man provided dangerous drugs to a child and committed sexual offences against the same child.
The man has been charged with the grooming of a child under 16 years, rape, supplying dangerous drugs to a minor and breach of bail.
He has been remanded in custody to appear in Emerald Magistrates Court today, 22 July.
Officer in Charge of Emerald CIB Detective Sergeant Dylan Brook thanked the community members for coming forward to assist police and the victim survivors.
"I would like to thank the community members for having the courage to report the matters to the police and supporting the victim survivors," Detective Sergeant Brook said.
"The Emerald police are committed to supporting victims of sexual abuse with compassion and work diligently and tirelessly to hold offenders accountable through the court system"
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.
Quote these reference numbers: QP2501253425, QP2501243089, QP2501259597
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.
