Queensland Police have arrested a 67-year-old former basketball coach from Mango Hill on multiple sexual assault charges following an investigation into alleged offences committed between 2013 and 2017.
The arrest, made yesterday by detectives from the Gateway Child Protection and Investigation Unit (CPIU), comes after police received an initial report on January 19, leading to the establishment of Operation Xray Modern.
According to police allegations, the accused used his position as a basketball coach to groom a child before they turned 16, followed by multiple offences in subsequent years. The man faces serious charges including seven counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of grooming a child under 16.
Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Lunney, Officer in Charge of Gateway CPIU, has issued a public appeal for additional information. “There may be someone out there with more information that could assist this investigation, and we encourage you to come forward,” he stated.
The accused was denied police bail and is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court today, January 31.
Police are urging anyone with information about similar incidents or interactions to contact authorities. Multiple reporting options are available, including online reporting through the Queensland Police website and the State-wide Sexual Assault Helpline at 1800 010 120.
The investigation remains ongoing under reference number QP2500111470.
Published 31-January-2025
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