On 7 May 2025, an anonymous report was received via Crime Stoppers detailing a complaint that someone was allegedly distributing and in possession of child abuse material in an East Arnhem Region community.
Following initial investigations, the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch travelled to the remote community on Monday to execute a search warrant at the alleged offender's residence. Throughout the search, investigators seized multiple storage devices and a mobile device which contained child abuse material.
The 31-year-old male was arrested and has since been charged with:
- Transmit Child Abuse Material - 474.22(1) Commonwealth Criminal Code Act
- Possess/Produce Child Abuse Material - 125B Criminal Code Act NT x 6
He was remanded to appear in Darwin local Court on Thursday 15 May 2025.
Major Crime Detective, Senior Sergeant Justene Dwyer said "I commend the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch investigators, local East Arnhem Region police members and Aboriginal Liaison Officers for their diligence and attention to detail to ensure this man is put before the courts.
"This behaviour is not accepted in our community and police will continue to go above and beyond to arrest anyone responsible for harming children in the NT community."
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. You can also submit a report online at https://crimestoppers.com.au/.
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.
