Alleged sexual abuser ‘used religion’ to get to boys and men

A 61-year-old man who has been charged with 21 counts of rape on the Sunshine Coast is believed to have used his Jehovah’s Witness status to allegedly assault teenage boys and young men.

He was taken into custody on Sunday when police executed a search warrant at a Mooloolaba address after ongoing investigations into offences committed over a 10-year period on the Sunshine Coast.

The man allegedly committed these crimes in a 10-year period against young men.Credit: Andrew Quilty

“It will be alleged the man utilised his position of religious standing within the Jehovah’s Witness community to sexually assault young men between 2008 and 2018,” a police statement read.

The alleged offences arose after four male victims aged in their late teens to early 20s came forward.

The man has since been charged with 21 counts of rape, 17 counts of sexual assault, 13 counts of procure sexual acts by false pretence and one count each of incest, torture and common assault.

The man was due to appear in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday.

Detectives are appealing for anyone else who might have information relating to the man that might assist with investigations to come forward.