New charges for Jake Vandermeel accused of grooming three children online
A man accused of online sextortion now faces allegations involving a mentally impaired child as prosecutors reshape the charge sheet to focus on counts relating to grooming and plans to harm.
A man accused of online sextortion now faces allegations involving a mentally impaired child as prosecutors reshape the charge sheet to focus on counts relating to grooming and plans to harm.
Jake Thomas Vandermeel, 28, of Safety Beach near Coffs Harbour, has appeared in court where the magistrate heard police had identified a third potential victim in the expanding investigation.
In documents before the court a fresh charge specifically relates to an alleged offence against a child who is “mentally impaired”.
The 28-year-old was arrested on October 16 last year by the Sex Crimes Squad with assistance from Raptor Squad.
Court documents show prosecutors withdrew multiple charges including groom child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia, threats to kill and sending indecent material to children; while certifying other serious allegations.
Vandermeel was charged on Tuesday at Coffs Harbour Local Court with two counts of use a carriage service to do/plan harm to person under 16, two counts of use a carriage service to groom under 16 year old for sex, use a carriage service to access child abuse material, use a carriage service to make available child abuse material, engaging in sexual activity with a child with a mental impairment through a carriage service, possess etc child abuse data use a carriage service.
Vandermeel has not applied for bail and bail remains formally refused.
Pleas have not been entered at this stage.
He will return to Coffs Harbour Local Court on January 13, 2026.
Got a news tip? Email: toni.moon@news.com.au
Originally published as New charges for Jake Vandermeel accused of grooming three children online
