A 26-year-old childcare worker/ex-cop has been charged with allegedly creating child abuse material while working for after-school services in Sydney’s elite northern suburbs and the CBD.
The explicit material was allegedly produced while David William James was employed at six out-of-hours care (OSHC) facilities at schools between April 2021 and May 2024.
James was secretly moonlighting in the job while serving as a police officer.
Federal police allege the material allegedly involved 10 children aged six years old and under, during James’ employment.
The AFP said James, who is from Artarmon on Sydney’s lower North Shore, had been in custody since his arrest in October 2024 and posed no current threat to the community.
The childcare employee had worked at 52 services, including at some of Sydney’s most elite schools, dating back to 2019. However, the charges relate to six locations.
His identity had been suppressed by the courts after his arrest in October 2024. He was publicly named by the AFP on Thursday after the court orders were lifted.
Police said James faces 13 offences:
- Nine counts of aggravated use of child under 14 to make child abuse material;
- One count of use of child under 14 to make child abuse material;
- Two counts of possessing child abuse material;
- One count of contravene requirements of a s3LA order when the warrant relates to a serious offence.
NSW Police said James was employed as a probationary constable from December 2021 to September 2022.
After he failed to successfully complete his probation, he continued in a civilian capacity until his resignation in May 2023.
Police said they were unaware he was working in the childcare sector at the same time.
The abuse investigation was launched in July 2024 on the dark web.
Extensive inquiries by AFP child protection investigators resulted in the execution of a search warrant at James’ home on September, 25, 2024. A mobile phone and other electronic devices were seized.
James was initially charged for refusing to provide his passcodes and was refused bail at Parramatta Local Court 25 September 25, 2024.
He was granted bail at the same court on September 30, 2024.
When AFP forensic investigators gained access to James’ devices, they found alleged child abuse material. He was arrested again on October 11, 2024. He has been remanded in custody since this arrest.
The AFP said all of the identified families had been contacted. NSW Health has offered support services.
Parents and carers of children who attended the six Sydney care services were advised by letter in June.
As police inquiries continue, a further 52 OOSH care facilities and other providers where James had worked have been contacted.
The AFP said it had found no evidence of any alleged offending at these facilities.
Parents and carers will be able to access Operation Arctile information on a website. It will include details such as when James worked in a particular centre, advice on support services, and who to contact if they believe they require further assistance.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett James said the AFP and other agencies remained committed to providing ongoing support to affected families.
“Any form of child sexual abuse is confronting. Even more so when the alleged perpetrator is an individual trusted with the care of our youth,” he said.
“There is no evidence to suggest the man’s alleged offending took place in out-of-school-hours facilities or other care providers which have not yet been contacted by law enforcement.
Concerned parents should visit the dedicated website, the officer said.
NSW Acting Children’s Guardian, Rachael Ward, acknowledged the work of the AFP and other authorities leading to charges against the alleged perpetrator.
“Most abusers offend more than once before they are reported or charged, which is why organisations must commit to the Child Safe Standards, and not solely rely on the Working with Children Check to keep children safe,” she said.
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