Police charge three with child exploitation offences

POLICE have arrested three men following a two-month joint investigation by the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) and Youth Tasking Unit into exploitation of vulnerable youth in the Geelong area.

Police executed a number of warrants at residential properties in Winchelsea, Geelong and Herne Hill on July 25 at about 7am as part of Operation Epicycle.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michael Harvey from Geelong SOCIT said Victoria Police was committed to protecting vulnerable children and young people at risk of exploitation.

“Investigations such as this one highlight how seriously police take the exploitation of vulnerable children and youth in our community.

“Police are committed to acting swiftly to protect children and young people at risk of sexual exploitation and disrupt those who prey on them.”

As a result of the investigation, a 59-year-old from Geelong was arrested and charged with offences including three counts of indecent act with a child under 16, assault with a weapon, unlawful imprisonment, nine counts of supplying a drug of dependence to a child and six counts of introducing a drug of dependence to the body of another. He has been remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on October 5.

A 52-year-old from Herne Hill was also arrested and charged with offences including threat to commit a sexual offence, unlawful imprisonment, four counts of supplying a drug of dependence to a child, two counts of introducing a drug of dependence to the body of another, and two counts of recruiting a child to engage in criminal activity. He has also been remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on October 5.

The third person to be arrested, a 45-year-old from Winchelsea, was charged with offences including three counts of trafficking a drug of dependence to a child and supply drug of dependence to a child. He has been remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on August 22.

Anyone who has information or would like to make a report about exploitation of vulnerable youth in the Geelong area is encouraged to contact Geelong SOCIT on 5264 8100.

Anonymous reports can also be made to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1800 333 000.