A youth organisation employee has been charged following an investigation into the alleged historical sexual abuse of children in Sydney's east.
In February last year, detectives from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command commenced an investigation into reports a boy had been sexually and indecently assaulted by a man at a youth centre, more than 15 years ago.
During the course of the investigation, detectives received a further three reports of alleged sexual abuse.
Following extensive inquiries, investigators arrested at 70-year-old man at a youth centre at Surry Hills, about 7am yesterday (Tuesday 10 December 2023).
He was taken to Surry Hills Police Station, before being transferred to hospital under police guard for treatment of a pre-existing condition.
Detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Surry Hills and seized items relevant to the investigation.
The man was charged with 22 offences including commit act of indecency with person under 16 years, sexual intercourse with person underage of 10 years, aggravated indecent assault, assault with act of indecency, sexual intercourse with person 10 or over and under 16 years and commit act of indecency with/towards person.
Police will allege in court the man sexually abused four boys – then aged between seven and 11 – while employed as a cleaner at a youth organisation in Daceyville between 1991 and 2006.
He will appear before Downing Centre Local Court by way of bedside hearing today (Wednesday 11 January 2023).
Investigations are continuing.
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 with the strictest of confidence.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
