An elderly man who once wore a Tasmania Police uniform has been extradited back to the state over serious child abuse allegations spanning almost 20 years.
Detectives from Tasmania Police’s specialist Taskforce Artemis this week escorted the 84-year-old from Queensland to face multiple charges of child sexual abuse, allegedly committed between 1963 and 1982.
The man, who served as a Tasmanian police officer from 1974 to 1977, is due to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.
He faces three counts of persistent sexual abuse of a child and three counts of indecent assault.
Police say the allegations involve multiple victim-survivors linked to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where the man held leadership roles.
“It is acknowledged that offences of this nature are deeply disturbing, however, Tasmania Police strongly encourages anyone with information about any form of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, to come forward and report it,” a spokesperson said.
Taskforce Artemis was set up specifically to investigate child abuse allegations uncovered by the Commission of Inquiry.
The team works closely with government agencies to share information, support victim-survivors and pursue alleged offenders through what they call an “intelligence-led approach”.
“As the matter is now before the courts, no further comment can be made,” the spokesperson said.
Sexual assault support services:
Sexual Assault Support Service (Tasmania): 1800 697 877
1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
Bravehearts (support for child sexual abuse survivors): 1800 272 831
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
