Griffith man denied bail over alleged attempt to contact child for sexual activity

Michael Foggiato, 48, appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on 9 August, where he was refused bail. Photo: File.

Griffith man Michael Foggiato, 48, has been charged with using a carriage service [electronic communication] to attempt to obtain sexual activity with someone that he believed was under the age of 16.

He was denied bail and did not apply for it.

His apprehension was the result of a NSW Police operation called Strike Force Trawler, an ongoing investigation by the Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

In June, detectives launched an investigation into an online user allegedly attempting to contact children for sexual activity.

During the investigation, the man allegedly sent inappropriate photos and videos to someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

According to court documents, the alleged offences occurred between 26 June and 9 August.

Strike Force detective arrested Mr Foggiato at the International Passenger Terminal, Sydney, at 7:15 am on 9 August.

He was refused bail and appeared before Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court later that day.

His next court appearance is set to be at Griffith Local Court on 19 September, which he will attend remotely via an audio-visual link. At this hearing, the magistrate will decide if his matter is to be transferred to a higher court.