A man will re-appear in court today after allegedly engaging a teenage boy online and sexually assaulting him in Sydney's east.
Last month, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a 15-year-old boy had been sexually assaulted by a man he met on a social media application in June 2019.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 38-year-old man at a home in Potts Point about 8am on Thursday 22 August 2019.
Shortly after, police executed a crime scene warrant at the home, where they seized four vials of testosterone.
The man was taken to Kings Cross Police Station and charged with five counts of sexual intercourse with child between the ages of 14 and 16, and possess anabolic or androgenic steroidal agent.
Police will allege in court that the man made arrangements to meet with the child for sex at a home in Potts Point on several occasions in July 2019.
The man was refused bail and appeared at Central Local Court on Thursday 22 August 2019, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at the same court today (Thursday 5 September 2019).
Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec, urged parents and carers to speak with their children about staying safe online.
"This week is National Child Protection Week and it's a timely reminder to speak to your child about the dangers associated with online conversations," Det Supt Kerlatec said.
"Any app, on-line game, or social media platform that allows the user to be in contact with someone they've only met online potentially puts them at risk."
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.
Information you provide will be treated in the strictest of confidence. People should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.
