A man has been charged following multiple alleged sexual assaults on the Sunshine Coast.
Detectives from the Caloundra Child Protection and Investigation Unit launched Operation Maple to investigate an alleged sexual assault on December 2.
Police will allege a 37-year-old Dicky Beach man met a teenage girl at Moffat Beach to supply her with an illicit substance, before he assaulted her.
On January 16 the man was arrested and charged with 20 offences including seven counts of supply dangerous drugs to minor under 16 years, three counts each of rape and possessing dangerous drugs, and one count each of possessing anything used in the commission of crime, possess property suspected of having been acquired for the purpose of committing a drug offence, possess utensils or pipes, contravening order about information necessary to access information stores electronically, and supplying dangerous drugs.
He appeared in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on January 17 and has been remanded in custody until April 14.
Caloundra Child Protection and Investigation Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Brad McMeniman said investigations were continuing.
“We believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone with information about this man, or anyone who was driven by him, to contact us,” Detective Acting Senior Sergeant McMeniman said.
“Detectives will continue to investigate and support any potential further victims.”
If you’ve experienced sexual assault, it is not your fault and you are not alone. There are multiple ways to report what has happened to you depending on your situation.
If there’s an immediate danger, call triple-0. You can also report online, over the phone or face to face at a police station. There are also alternative reporting options available depending on your situation.
For confidential information, counselling and support, call the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline on 1800 010 120 or 1800 RESPECT for 24-hour help.
