Investigators from Tully and Charters Towers Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) have charged two men following investigations into historical child sexual offences and are now appealing for further information.
In May 2024, a woman made a complaint to police of alleged sexual offences when she was a child, committed by two men who were her foster carers in Tully between 1984 and 1989.
As investigations progressed, Operation Xray Joss was established, and officers executed a search warrant at a Gold Coast address on 20 August 2025 and arrested a 53-year-old man.
Detectives travelled to Western Australia where they were further assisted by Western Australia Police Force detectives to arrest a 77-year-old Bayswater man.
The 53-year-old Gold Coast man has been charged with five counts each of indecent treatment of girls under sixteen and one count of attempt to abuse girls under ten.
He is due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on 24 September.
The 77-year-old Western Australia man has been charged with nine counts each of indecent treatment of girls under sixteen, and two counts each of defilement of girls under twelve.
He is due to appear in the Tully Magistrates Court on the 9 of October.
Officer in charge of Tully CIB Detective Sergeant Stu Jones said that while the arrests were a great result for detectives and the alleged victim, officers believe there may be other victims or witnesses yet to be identified.
"I am extremely grateful that the victim-survivor trusted us and came forward to report what they have experienced, and enabled us to run this investigation," Detective Sergeant Jones said.
"However, through this investigation, we believe there may be other people who have experienced this same harm and have yet to come forward."
"I'd like to reinforce to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse, even decades ago, that police will listen, we will investigate, while respecting your wishes, privacy, health and safety needs."
"There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you, depending on your situation."
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.
