Federal police officer faces court on child indecency charge

A sworn Australian Federal Police officer has been charged with committing an act of indecency against a 12-year-old boy.

The 38-year-old Amaroo man appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday morning. He was arrested by members of ACT Policing’s Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team on Friday night.

Detective senior constable Brad Tulk told the court that the alleged act of indecency occurred between June 1 and December 24, 2012, with a child the accused man supervised as part of a loose ‘‘caring relationship.’’

He said the man also had a seven-year-old foster child. ‘‘If the defendant was given access to that child he may re-offend,’’ Constable Tulk said.

Constable Tulk said his fear of further offences would be allayed if the man stayed away from children under the age of 18.

Magistrate David Mossop granted the accused man bail with strict conditions. He is not to be alone with any child under the age of 18 or contact the alleged victim or his family.

Constable Tulk told the court police were also investigating the man's involvement with three other children.

‘‘Police are yet to identify and locate the other three children,’’ he said.

Constable Tulk told the court the alleged victim's mother made a statement to police that the man ‘‘removed [his] foster son's clothing before sitting on top of him and hitting him on the chest.’’

The court was told the man’s foster child would be removed from his care in light of the allegations.

The man will appear before the ACT Magistrates court on March 4.

SOURCE