A 57-year-old Kelmscott man has been charged after allegedly attempting to groom what he thought was a 14-year-old girl for sex through facebook.
The Australian Federal Police and WA Police’s Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team operation exposed the alleged predator.
On May 11 JACET investigators conducted a search warrant at the man’s home and seized a number of computer items.
The man was charged with intent to expose a person under the age of 16 years to indecent matter and intent to procure a person under the age of 16 years to engage in sexual activity.
He was given bail with strict conditions to appear before the Armadale Magistrates Court on June 7.
It was alleged the man communicated with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl through facebook, seeking to groom her to engage in sexual activity.
The girl was actually a JACET investigator.
AFP victim based crime manager Commander Glen McEwen said this operationdemonstrated the work of JACET in bringing those seeking to entrap and exploit children to account.
“These predators should be aware that law enforcement will track them down,” he said.
He encouraged parents to be aware of the risks posed by social media.
The national ThinkUKnow cyber safety education program is focused on preventing children from being groomed or mistreated online.
For more information visit thinkuknow.org.au.
Anyone who has any information about people involved in child exploitation are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestopperswa.com.au.
