A joint South Australian (SA) and Northern Territory (NT) Police Taskforce has charged a man with historical child abuse offences against young people from the Northern Territory that occurred in South Australia.
Taskforce Artemis was launched in October 2023 shortly after a now 65-year-old man was arrested by SA Police for 2 historical child abuse offences allegedly committed in South Australia.
The charges relate to 30 victims, with the alleged offending occurring between 1990 to 2023 in South Australia.
SA and NT Police, along with South Australian ODPP Witness Assistance officers have continued to engage with all victims and witnesses to provide support and assistance.
The 65-year-old man is currently on remand and has now been charged with:
- 12 x Sexual Abuse of a Child
- 8 x Indecent Assault
- 6 x Unlawful Sexual Intercourse
- 4 x Assault
- 3 x Aggravated Indecent Assault
- 3 x Possess Child Exploitation Material
- 2 x Aggravated Incite or procure Child to Commit Indecent Act
- 2 x Aggravated Assault
- 1 x Aggravated Compelled Sexual Manipulation
- 1 x Attempt Indecent Assault
- 1 x Attempt Aggravated Incite or Procure Child to Commit Indecent Act
- 1 x Gross Indecency
He appeared in SA District Court today.
South Australian Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Crime Service Catherine Hilliard said "Operation Artemis has been a complex and incredibly confronting investigation.
"The SA Police have been working closing with the NTPF as we conducted investigations into this offending.
"The privacy and safety of the victims, remains our number one priority. We have been providing updates, along with support, to everyone effected."
Northern Territory Police Force Assistant Commissioner Michael White said "While the scale of the alleged offending discovered during investigations by Task Force Artemis is disturbing, it is important the community be aware that these investigations have been methodical and not resulted in any other person being charged with respect to the alleged offending.
"The NTPF is working closely with those effected."
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppers.com.au/ or to contact NTPF Police on 131 444.
You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the 'Report Abuse' button at www.accce.gov.au/report.
