A Wollongong man has been granted bail after being arrested in Dapto for the alleged grooming of a child.
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In April this year, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit started talking online with Ross Pusser.
Police will allege in court that Pusser believed he was speaking with a 13-year-old girl and engaged in conversations about sex acts he wished to perform on the teenager.
It will also be alleged that 41-year-old man arranged to meet the girl in person.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives arrested Pusser near Dapto Railway Station about 10.10am on Thursday.
A subsequent search was conducted at his home address, where multiple electronic devices were seized by officers.
Pusser was taken to Lake Illawarra Police Station and charged with use carriage service to solicit child abuse material and use carriage service to procure a child under 16 years for sexual activity.
In Wollongong Local Court on Thursday, police opposed bail on the grounds Pusser may not appear at future court dates and he could endanger the safety of the community.
However, Pusser was granted bail on the condition he must report daily, only have one mobile phone and have no access to the internet. A $2000 surety was also required.
He will return to court on July 30.
Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the Child Exploitation Internet Unit into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.
Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the unit; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.
Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page: https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
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