Adelaide man charged with possessing child abuse material
This is a joint media release between the Australian Federal Police and South Australia Police
A 52-year-old man has been charged with possessing child abuse material after police searched his Adelaide home yesterday morning (Tuesday, 19 November).
Detectives from the South Australia Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (SA JACET), which is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police and SA Police's Public Protection Branch, launched an investigation after a man was detected sharing child abuse material via the internet.
The 52-year-old was arrested yesterday after investigators executed a search warrant at a home in Adelaide's north east and seized several electronic devices.
AFP Superintendent Crime Operations South Australia, Gail McClure, said the arrest highlights the role of partnerships in tackling, disrupting and prosecuting individuals and networks involved in distributing and producing child abuse material in South Australia.
"This arrest is yet another example of the significant results the SA JACET has achieved and demonstrates the benefits of working collaboratively with local and international partners to detect those involved in the abuse of children," Superintendent McClure said.
"To those thinking of accessing or sharing child exploitation material, you are supporting a pervasive and vile industry. Your actions are criminal and have a devastating and lasting impact on vulnerable children. It is only a matter of time before you are caught."
The man is expected to appear in Adelaide Magistrate's Court on 24 December 2019 to face the following charge:
- One count of possession of child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
Note to media: USE OF TERM 'CHILD ABUSE', NOT 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'
Use of the phrase "child pornography" benefits child sex abusers because it:
- indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and
- conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.
Every photograph captures an actual situation where a child has been abused. This is not "pornography".
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Media enquiries:
AFP National Media: (02) 5126 9297
SA Police Media: (08) 7322 3848
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