Steven Michael Jeays charged with drugging, raping teen girl at Moffat Beach

A man accused of raping a teen has been denied bail with police pleading for public information as they continue their investigation.

Steven Michael Jeays has been charged with drugging, raping teen girl at Moffat Beach. Picture: File photo

A surety of $50,000 was not enough for a Sunshine Coast man to be bailed after he was arrested for allegedly supplying drugs to a teenage girl and raping her at a beachside suburb.

Steven Michael Jeays was charged with drugging and raping a teen girl at Moffat Beach after Caloundra Child Protection and Investigation Unit detectives launched Operation Maple to investigate an alleged sexual assault on December 2 last year.

Police allege Jeays, a 37-year-old Dicky Beach man, met a teenage girl at Moffat Beach to supply her with an illicit substance before he assaulted her.

He was arrested on January 16 and charged with 20 offences including seven counts of supply dangerous drugs to minor under 16 years, three counts each of rape and possessing dangerous drugs and one count each of possessing anything used in the commission of crime, possessing property suspected of having been acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence, possessing utensils or pipes, contravening order about information necessary to access information stored electronically and supplying dangerous drugs.

He appeared in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 17 and applied for bail a week later through defence solicitor Madalyn Olivero.

Jeays appeared in court by video link from the watch-house. Picture: Patrick Woods

In documents tendered to the court, police allege Jeays supplied a child with marijuana and MDMA on several occasions, along with a separate supply of cocaine.

It is further alleged he was found with MDMA, marijuana, cannabis oil and other drug related items after his arrest on January 16.

In an affidavit prepared by the Dicky Beach man’s legal team, it can be revealed his parents offered up a surety of $50,000 to support their son’s application for bail.

Even with this before the court, Jeays’ application was refused by magistrate Rod Madsen. The 37-year-old’s case will return to court on April 14, and he was remanded in custody.

He applied for bail last month. Picture: Patrick Woods

Caloundra Child Protection and Investigation Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Brad McMeniman said investigations were continuing.

“We believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone with information about this man, or anyone who was driven by him, to contact us,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant McMeniman said.

“Detectives will continue to investigate and support any potential further victims.”

If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.

If there’s an immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000). You can also report online here.

There are also Alternative Reporting Options available depending on your situation.

For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.

Originally published as Steven Michael Jeays charged with drugging, raping teen girl at Moffat Beach