Trevor James Scroop faces 44 child abuse charges involving Northern Territory children

A shocking case of historical child abuse involving a former ABC cameraman has revealed the majority of the 30 alleged victims are from the NT. WATCH THE UPDATE FROM POLICE.

A shocking case of historical child abuse involving a South Australian man that allegedly spans more than 30 years of offending has revealed that the majority of the 30 alleged victims are from the Northern Territory.

The other alleged victims are from South Australia.

Police said that it is feasible there may be more alleged victims given the charges relate to a period between 1990 to 2023 in South Australia.

Trevor James Scroop faced court in South Australia on Wednesday, June 4.

The 65-year-old man, Trevor James Scroop, a former ABC employee, appeared in SA District Court on Wednesday, charged with:

> 12 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child

> Six charges of Unlawful Sexual Intercourse

> Eight charges of Indecent Assault

> 4x Assault

> 3x Aggravated Indecent Assault

> 3x Possess Child Exploitation Material

> 2x Aggravated Incite or procure Child to Commit Indecent Act

> 2x Aggravated Assault

> 1x Aggravated Compelled Sexual Manipulation

> 1x Attempt Indecent Assault

> 1x Attempt Aggravated Incite or Procure Child to Commit Indecent Act

> 1x Gross Indecency

Mr Scroop who had “formal” and “informal” arrangements with South Australia’s Department for Child Protection to house First Nations children, pleaded not guilty to the more than 40 charges.

Trevor Scroop, former ABC freelance camera operator on child sex charges. Picture: Facebook

The court previously heard Mr Scroop had access to more than 100 mostly Aboriginal children under an arrangement with SA’s Department for Child Protection.

The 44 charges follow a joint South Australian (SA) and Northern Territory (NT) Police Taskforce investigation.

Police said Taskforce Artemis was launched in October 2023 shortly after the man was arrested by SA Police.

SA and NT Police confirmed along with South Australian ODPP Witness Assistance officers have continued to engage with all victims and witnesses to provide support and assistance.

In Darwin on Wednesday morning, they said they believe there may be people in the community who have information that could help with their investigations and have appealed for those people to come forward.

Northern Territory Police Force Assistant Commissioner Michael White said while the scale of the alleged offending discovered during investigations by Task Force Artemis is disturbing, it is important the community be aware that the investigations had been methodical and not resulted in any other person being charged with respect to the alleged offending.

“The NTPF is working closely with those effected,” he said.

“No offending has been identified involving any other offender.

Trevor James Scroop.

Trevor James Scroop pleaded not guilty.

South Australian Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Crime Service Catherine Hilliard said “Operation Artemis has been a complex and incredibly confronting investigation.

She said the alleged offender had been providing accommodation and schooling in South Australia for the alleged child abuse victims.

“The SA Police have been working closing with the NTPF as we conducted investigations into this offending,” she said.

“The privacy and safety of the victims, remains our number one priority. We have been providing updates, along with support, to everyone effected.”

Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://crimestoppers.com.au/ or to contact NTPF Police on 131 444.

You can also make a report online by alerting the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation via the ‘Report Abuse’ button at www.accce.gov.au/report.