NSW Police have announced additional charges and the charging of a second former youth worker over alleged historical sexual offences in the Hunter region.
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In November 2020, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Eiraban to investigate allegations of alleged child sexual offences against two teenage boys between 1990 and 2004 in Muswellbrook and Gateshead.
As part of inquiries, detectives charged a 71-year-old man on Thursday, July 29 2021 with 15 offences. The man currently remains before the court.
Strike Force detectives also investigated reports that two men - who are known to each other - allegedly sexually abused multiple children between the 1960s and mid 2000s, while employed at a youth centre in Muswellbrook.
Following further inquiries in relation to the reports, police arrested the 71-year-old man at Lake Macquarie on Tuesday, November 23, and laid an additional 85 charges.
Investigators also arrested a 67-year-old man at a house in Wauchope on Tuesday and the man was taken to Port Macquarie Police Station and charged with 28 offences.
NSW Police said both men appeared before Port Macquarie Local Court on Wednesday, November 24.
The 71-year-old man was formally refused bail while the 67-year-old man was granted conditional bail, with both scheduled to appear before Belmont Local Court on Wednesday, January 19 2022.
NSW Police said investigations under Strike Force Eiraban are continuing and anyone with information that may assist detectives is urged to contact Port Macquarie Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.