Sex Crimes Squad detectives charge two Junee inmates over alleged child abuse material

Two Riverina inmates are set to face Wagga Wagga Local Court for allegedly producing child abuse material. Photo: Shri Gayathirie Rajen.

Sex Crimes Squad detectives have charged two more inmates over alleged child abuse material.

In April 2024, detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Sex Crimes Squad’s Child Protection Investigation Team (CPIT) and 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 among themselves detailing the sexual abuse of children and plans to offend against children in the future.

As part of investigations, strike force detectives charged a 31-year-old in August 2024 with directing the group. They remain before the court.

Following further investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 56-year-old at a Junee correctional facility on 15 August.

The 56-year-old was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with six counts of possessing child abuse material, five counts of disseminating child abuse material, two counts of producing child abuse material and participating in criminal group contributing criminal activity.

The 56-year-old was refused bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on Friday 16 August and was further refused bail to appear before the same court on 30 October.

Following further investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 28-year-old also at a Junee correctional facility on 17 September.

The inmate was taken to Wagga Wagga Police Station and charged with producing child abuse material, disseminating child abuse material, possessing child abuse material and participating in criminal group contribute criminal activity.

The 28-year-old was refused bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court the same day and was further refused bail to appear before the same court on 6 November.

Investigations under Strike Force Edits continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.