CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses child sex abuse.
Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged a woman for allegedly directing a child abuse ring operating at a Junee correctional facility following an investigation under Strike Force Edits.
In April this year, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Protection Investigation Team (CPIT) – with assistance from NSW Corrective Services – established Strike Force Edits to investigate the production and distribution of child abuse material in NSW correctional facilities.
During the investigation, strike force detectives identified a group of inmates allegedly calling themselves ‘The Pack’. This group allegedly shared letters amongst themselves detailing the sexual abuse of children and plans to offend against children in the future.
Following extensive investigations, detectives arrested a 31-year-old woman who allegedly identified herself as the “leader of the pack” at Junee Correctional Facility yesterday (27 August) before taking her to Wagga Wagga Police Station.
She was charged with eight counts of producing child abuse material, eight counts of disseminating child abuse material and knowingly/recklessly directing a criminal group.
The woman was refused bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court.
Detectives will allege in court the woman directed the group while in the correctional facility and wrote letters detailing the child abuse which she sent to other inmates.
Investigations under Strike Force Edits continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, 1800RESPECT, the national 24-hour sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line, can be contacted on 1800 737 732 or by visiting www.1800respect.org.au. Help and support are also available through the NSW Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 424 017 and Lifeline on 13 11 14. In an emergency, call triple zero.