A man and a woman from North-West Coast have been charged with serious child abuse and online child exploitation offences following an investigation by the Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET), a partnership between Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police.
On 18 February 2025, JACET officers executed a search warrant at a residence. During the search, investigators located child exploitation material on the man's phone involving a young child known to both parties.
As a result of the investigation, the man has been charged with:
1. Possession, production and distribution of child exploitation material
2. Indecent assault
The woman has been charged with:
1. Possession, production and distribution of child exploitation material
2. Indecent assault
3. Penetrative sexual abuse of a young person (x2)
The man will appear in the Devonport Magistrates Court on 2 June 2025. The woman will appear in the Burnie Magistrates Court on 22 July 2025.
The child has been placed in alternative care and is receiving ongoing counselling and support services.
Reporting services:
This case represents some of the most confronting and abhorrent offending we investigate. It's a stark reminder that child sexual abuse often occurs in places where children should feel safest, in their homes and among people they trust.
Police are committed to protecting children from harm and the partnership between AFP and Tasmania Police strengthens our capability to detect and disrupt offenders who betray the trust of the most vulnerable members of the community. We urge anyone with concerns or suspicions about child abuse, including online exploitation and grooming, to come forward.
How to report child abuse or online child exploitation:
1. If a child is in immediate danger, call 000
2. Contact Tasmania Police on 131 444
3. Contact Strong Families Safe Kids on 1800 000 123
4. Report anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au
5. Make an online report to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) at: https://www.accce.gov.au/report
