Police have alleged that the man used his influence within the Jehovah Witness community to commit the crimes. Source: Shutterstock.
A 61-year-old Sunshine Coast man has been charged with numerous rape and sexual assault offences that happened between 2008 and 2018.
On Sunday August 28, police went to the man’s address in Mooloolaba and took him into custody where he was later charged with 54 sex offences.
The man was charged with 21 counts of rape, 17 counts of sexual assault, 13 counts of procure sexual acts by false pretence and one count each of incest, torture, and common assault.
Queensland police allege that the man abused his position in the Jehovah Witness community to sexually assault four young men over a period of 10 years. The victims are aged in their late teens to early twenties.
The 61-year-old appeared in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday August 29 where he applied for bail, his case was adjourned until Wednesday August 31.
Detectives have asked for anyone with information to come forward and help investigators.
According to the Sunshine Coast Daily, police prosecutor Mick Ruddiman addressed the court, detailing that the man was wealthy, owned multiple properties and was a potential flight risk as he was reportedly in the process of transferring assets overseas.
Police say that text messages allegedly revealed that he wanted to leave Australia on a long-term basis.
More details to come.
