A LIMESTONE Coast woman has been charged for possessing child abuse material following a joint-raid by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and South Australia Police on Wednesday afternoon.
Investigators from the South Australia Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team executed a search warrant at the 19-year-old’s family home in the Limestone Coast.
An investigation was launched in June last year after a tip-off from the United States’ National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about a person allegedly uploading a video on social media of a child being sexually abused.
Investigators seized electronic devices when they searched the teenager’s home and a preliminary examination allegedly uncovered stored child abuse material.
The 19 year old was released on bail and is expected to face Naracoorte Magistrate’s Court on March 27.
AFP acting South Australia Commander Gail McClure said while it was rare for a woman to be charged with this type of offence, it is a reminder there is no single profile of a child sex offender and they can be of any age or gender and be found in a range of occupations.
“This case highlights the importance of the AFP’s strong partnerships, both locally and overseas, to prevent the spread of child abuse material,” Ms McClure said.
“To anyone thinking of accessing or sharing child exploitation material, this is not a victimless crime.
“Each of those images represents a real child being abused and that is heartbreaking.”
She said the AFP and its partners were dedicated to working together to keep children safe and pursue offenders.
Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child exploitation material are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
