Sydney children’s author Oliver Phommavanh charged with allegedly grooming teen girl
Detectives will allege in court Oliver Phommavanh used his position as a children’s author to engage inappropriately with children online.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A schoolteacher turned children’s author has been charged with grooming after he was allegedly caught talking to what he thought was a 13-year-old girl online.
Strike Force Trawler detectives launched an investigation in early May 2024, after receiving an interstate report that 41-year-old author Oliver Phommavanh was allegedly communicating inappropriately with a child online.
Phommavanh left his profession as a teacher to become a children’s author, and has visited schools across the country reading to kids.
During the investigation, Phommavanh allegedly sent inappropriate photos and videos to – who he believed – was a 13-year-old girl.
Following an extensive investigation, strike force detectives – with assistance from officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command – executed a search warrant at Phommavanh’s Old Guildford home about 8am yesterday.
During the search, detectives arrested the 41-year-old man and seized several electronic devices.
Phommavanh was taken to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with use carriage service to groom under 16 years old for sex and use carriage service procure less than 16 years old for sexual activity.
Detectives will allege in court the man used his position as a children’s author to engage inappropriately with children online.
He faced Fairfield Local Court on Friday, where he was granted bail on a $5000 surety.
He was also ordered to stay away from people under 18, and away from schools and places of children’s entertainment like playgrounds and parks.
Phommavanh worked as a schoolteacher before becoming an author and comedian.
He will return to court in July.
Students, teachers raced to hospital after suspected CO2 leak
Three teachers were treated for suspected carbon monoxide poisoning and hundreds of students evacuated from a Sydney high school on Friday afternoon.
‘Chaotic’: Man pushed cop to the ground for arresting his mate
A Western Sydney man pushed a cop to the ground in the Sydney CBD while he was arresting his mate. Here’s what happened in court.