Crime Stoppers tip helped catch NT man accused of possess, distribute child abuse material

A Territory man has been charged after allegedly possessing and distributing child abuse material in a NT community.

A 31-year-old man from East Arnhem has been charged with allegedly possessing and distributing child abuse material.

An anonymous May 7 report to Crime Stoppers has resulted in a man being charged with multiple counts of possessing child abuse material.

NT Police said the report related to an East Arnhem region resident allegedly distributing and possessing child abuse material.

Following initial investigations, Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch officers travelled to the remote community on Monday to execute a search warrant at the alleged offender’s residence.

Throughout the search, investigators seized multiple storage devices and a mobile device which police say contained child abuse material.

Katherine Criminal Branch played a crucial role in the investigation, NT Police say.

A 31-year-old man was arrested and has since been charged with transmit child abuse material under section 474.22(1) of the Commonwealth Criminal Code and six counts of possess-produce child abuse material under section 125B of the NT Criminal Code Act.

He was remanded to appear in Darwin local court on Thursday, May 15.

Major Crime Detective, Senior Sergeant Justene Dwyer praised the efforts of police and the community that lead to the arrest.

“I commend the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch investigators, local East Arnhem Region police members and Aboriginal Liaison Officers for their diligence and attention to detail to ensure this man is put before the courts,” Senior Sergeant Dwyer said.

“This (alleged) behaviour is not accepted in our community and police will continue to go above and beyond to arrest anyone responsible for harming children in the NT community.”

Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Online reports can be made at https://crimestoppers.com.au/.

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