A camp leader has been charged with multiple sexual and property offences – with police alleging he looked into bathrooms, stole children’s underwear and committed sexual offences against children at the camp.
The 21-year-old Caboolture South man was arrested on Monday and charged with 28 serious sexual and property offences – following an extensive investigation by Sunshine Coast Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU) detectives.
Police allege the man used his role as a volunteer group leader to gain access to children and committed multiple offences against victims now aged between 13 and 16.
The charges stem from a report first received in December 2024, when police were told a man had been seen allegedly looking into bathrooms occupied by children at a Landsborough campground.
Further investigations suggest the same man allegedly engaged in similar behaviour at the same campground multiple times since 2022.
Further investigations revealed allegations the man had unlawfully entered tents and stolen children’s underwear on multiple occasions throughout 2023 and 2024.
On May 5, CPIU detectives executed a search warrant at a home in Caboolture, allegedly seizing multiple electronic devices for forensic examination.
Several pairs of children’s underwear were also allegedly seized.
The man was arrested the same day and charged with 17 counts of enter dwelling and commit, five counts of indecent treatment of children under 16 (carer), five counts of unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassment or abuse, and one count of observations in breach of privacy.
He is due to appear in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on June 16.
In body-worn camera footage released by Queensland Police, the man appears visibly distressed, raising his hands to his face as officers inform him of the charges.
In another scene, detectives search a bedroom and uncover a panda-shaped backpack containing clothes.
Sunshine Coast CPIU Officer in Charge, Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Grant Gleeson, urged anyone with further information or who may have had similar interactions with the accused to come forward.
“Due to the nature of the man’s alleged offending, and the access he had to children over many years, we are conscious there may be further victims that are yet to report incidents to police,” Sergeant Gleeson said.
“We’re appealing to witnesses or anyone that could assist this investigation to come forward.
“And if you believe you have been offended against, I also encourage you to report your experience to police.
“It is not your fault and you are not alone, there are multiple reporting and support options available to you.
“We encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about appropriate behaviour, even from people considered safe or trusted adults in their life, and what to do if they feel uncomfortable about any behaviour and how they can report that behaviour.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
https://thewest.com.au/news/man-21-accused-of-using-volunteer-role-to-steal-childrens-underwear-target-children-at-campground-police-allege-c-18743678
