On Tuesday, a former childcare worker in Townsville, Australia was arrested and revealed as the leader of a large-scale pedophile ring.
Two women and one other man were also caught involved in the ring.
The women, who remain unidentified, were charged with distributing child pornography and bestiality. According to authorities, the ring evidently began in 1995, lasting almost 25 years. The ring leader was charged with 104 counts of child rape, sexual abuse, and pornography.
The women allegedly took part in the abuse of at least 12 children and sold videos and images of the acts. Over the years, the ring victimized multiple children, namely the leader’s children, siblings, and dogs.
Currently, local police have identified 12 victims (two boys and ten girls), all in different age groups. The youngest is allegedly in infancy and the eldest recently turned 16. Police found out about the ring after saving a two-year-old girl from abuse over a week ago.
According to Senior Sergeant David Miles, the girl was found in a home in Cairns. He reported, “[she was] passed around as a result of exchanging drugs.”
One woman is reportedly 38 years old. The other is reportedly 49. The former was arrested for participating in, possessing, and distributing dozens of child pornographic content. She was also charged with burglary.
Moreover, the other woman was charged with three counts of bestiality. She reportedly abused multiple dogs, making videos of the horrific act.
Apart from these two, a 33-year-old man was also identified as part of the ring. His charges include six counts of possession and distribution of child pornography, drug possession and production, and burglary.
As mentioned, the ring began in 1995 at a local child care clinic. Authorities refuse to name the clinic to protect the victims’ privacy.
Authorities also report that the ring participants targeted “vulnerable women with children.” In this way, they could sell the women drugs and take advantage of their kids.
This is a truly horrific situation. Authorities state the investigation and court hearing are on-going.