Performing arts coach Nathan Large charged over child sex after international investigation

Nathan Large, who runs WOW Performing Arts Academy near Campbelltown, was allegedly busted after he was linked to an online dating account which displayed child abuse material.

The owner and lead instructor at south west Sydney performing arts academy has been charged with child sex offences following a major investigation by police in both Australia and the US.

Nathan Large, who runs WOW Performing Arts Academy near Campbelltown, was allegedly busted after he was linked to an online dating account which displayed child abuse material.

The United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children discovered the profile, and alerted the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation in March this year.

Investigators in Australia allegedly linked Large to the account and referred the matter to the AFP’s Eastern Command Child Protection Operations.

Nathan Large, the owner and lead instructor at a south west Sydney performing arts academy, has been charged with child sex offences. Picture: Supplied

Nathan Large. Picture: Supplied

It will be alleged Large used his position in the performing arts industry to gain access to a teenager and sexually abused him.

When the AFP descended on his home on May 1, officers located and seized a number of electronic devices.

An examination of the devices allegedly located child abuse material, including a video file which allegedly depicted the man engaging in sexual acts with the teenager.

He was charged with one count of sexual intercourse with a child aged between 14 and 16; two counts of use carriage service to transmit child abuse material; one count of use carriage service to cause child abuse material to be transmitted; one count of use carriage service to possess child abuse material; and one count of using a carriage service for sexual activity with person under 16 years of age.

If found guilty, Large could face a maximum of 20 years imprisonment.

Nathan Large. Picture: Supplied

It’s understood he had a large base of young performers at his academy, training children of all ages in acting, singing and musical theatre. He also described himself as a “talent manager”, who managed children’s careers on stage.

Large faced court for the first time last week, but did not apply for bail.

The 45-year-old will remain in custody until he next appears before the court in July. Since his arrest the WOW Performing Arts Academy website has been shut down.

A parent who had children at the academy said she was “horrified” by the allegations and Large’s arrest.

“It makes me sick to my stomach,” she said. “Kids should be safe when they go to dance or singing, I’m just horrified.”

AFP Detective Superintendent Morgen Blunden said Large’s arrest should serve as a warning to other offenders.

“Adults who abuse their position of power or influence over children for their own depraved pleasures have no concern for the lasting effects on their victims,” Det Supt Blunden said.

“Our message to offenders is you cannot hide behind online anonymity – police can and will use all resources at our disposal to identify you and put you before the courts.”