Police charge Lismore primary school teacher Christopher Frangos, 35, with child grooming
A North Coast school teacher has faced court charged with child grooming after he allegedly tried to lure a girl aged under 16 for sex only to discover it was a cop. His school has now spoken out.
Police & Courts
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A North Coast primary school teacher has faced court charged with child grooming after he allegedly tried to lure a girl aged under 16 for sex only to discover it was a police officer.
Alstonville’s Christopher Frangos, 35, faced Ballina Local Court on Thursday.
Magistrate Karen Stafford alleged: “He is a local schoolteacher and had photos of young girls on his phone that have been taken without consent.”
A NSW Police statement read: “Police will allege in court the man was planning to meet up with a young teenage girl during upcoming school holidays for the purpose of sexual activity.”
Frangos – a teacher at Wyrallah Road Public School in Lismore – has been charged with using a carriage service to groom a child under 16 for sex, using a carriage service to procure a child 16 for sex and using a carriage service to send indecent material to a child under 16.
No pleas have been entered.
Frangos previously taught at an Alstonville Public School until he moved to Wyrallah Road Public in May.
A spokesperson said the NSW Department of Education was working with police "and the employee has been removed from teaching duties”.
“As the matter is before the courts, it would not be appropriate to comment further," they said.
The department works with police and other agencies when sexual misconduct allegations are made, in line with mandatory reporting requirements.
Wyrallah Road said in a statement to parents that the wellbeing and welfare of students were the "highest priorities".
"With this in mind I need to provide you with the following information," it reads.
"Serious criminal charges have been laid by police against a staff member of our school.
"Our whole community is shocked and shaken by this news.
"While it is unlikely the allegations involve significant number of people, if you have seen anything of concern or are aware of any information your child may have please contact Natali Stojceski, detective sergeant, NSW Police."
The school said it would not be commenting further with the case before the courts, but that counselling was available for students.
NSW Police Sex Crimes Squad detectives charged Frangos following an investigation into online grooming in Ballina under Strike Force Trawler.
Trawler is an ongoing Sex Crimes probe by the Child Exploitation Internet Unit, which is delving into the sex abuse and exploitation of children over the internet and devices.
“With assistance from the Queensland Police Service, a Ballina man was identified allegedly using a social media platform to groom a teenage girl for the purpose of sexual activity,” police state.
Though, it has now been confirmed Frangos is alleged to have spoken to a police officer posing as an underage girl.
Frangos was arrested by Trawler detectives, his home was searched and he was taken to Ballina Police Station about 6.30am on Thursday.
He was refused bail to face the Ballina court, where an application for bail was made.
A police prosecutor said the public could be endangered if Frangos was granted bail.
He told the court Frangos could expect a custodial sentence if convicted.
But defence Lawyer Tom Ivey said Frangos had strong community ties and no criminal history.
He told the court the allegations were “troubling and serious”, but “it was a police officer posing as a child”.
Mr Ivey said his client was “overwhelmed by the situation”.
Ms Stafford said of the allegations: “While he is under the police radar now, he knew about different sites and how to avoid scrutiny.”
“The conditions proposed don’t migrate the risk if released he would endanger the community,” she said.
“There will be a period of imprisonment (if Frangos is found guilty) and bail has been refused.”
The case was adjourned to January 25.
Inquiries under Strike Force Trawler continue.
State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty reminded parents in a public statement to talk to their kids about online safety.
“With school holidays approaching, this case is a good reminder for parents to talk to their children; not to threaten them, but rather to educate them about online threats,” she said.
“If your kids are online, make sure they know the risks and know how dangerous it, and to never meet up with someone they met online.
“To any kids that are worried they may have gotten in too deep in an online friendship or relationship – it’s not too late to talk to a parent, adult, or trusted carer before a situation potentially gets worse.”
Know more? Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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