UPDATE! Milton Orkopoulos Arrested On Further Charges, Causing Boy Under 14 to Participate in Child Prostitution

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Former Swansea MP and convicted paedophile, Milton Orkopoulos, has been charged with further offences, following an investigation into historic sexual assault offences in the Lake Macquarie region.

Lake Macquarie detectives attended Sydney's Long Bay Jail after an alleged victim came forward, and arrested the 62-year-old man at around about 11am on Monday June 15th.

In January 2020, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Glenwarrie to investigate allegations of historic sexual and indecent assault offences against two juvenile boys from the early 1990s, and throughout the decade allegedly known to Mr Orkopoulous.

"As you expect coming forward in relation to a sexual offence is something that is extremely traumatic and distressing," Lake Macquarie Police District Commander Superintendent, Danny Sullivan said.

"Here in the command we are very thankful for the courage that's been shown by the people in relation to this."

 "We're working very closely with them and not only do we investigate the criminal aspect but we work with those victims around counselling and support."

He has since been charged with 15 offences including:

• Aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
• Commit act of indecency with person under 16 years
• Aggravated indecency – victim under 16 & under authority offender
• Aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
• Cause child under 14 to participate in child prostitution (x3)

Police will allege the man sexually and indecently assaulted two juvenile boys known to him on separate occasions in the 1990s at locations in Lake Macquarie and on the Mid North Coast.

In regards to the child prostitution charges, Superintendent Sullivan said,

"These are very difficult matters, and will be fully put before the court."

Orkopoulous is already behind bars for violating his parole in February, after serving 11 years for 30 child sex and drug offences.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court via video link on Tuesday 16 June.

Investigations under Strike Force Glenwarrie are continuing.

"I'd encourage any person or a witness to come forward and contact Lake Macquarie detectives or contact crime stoppers" Superintendent Sullivan said.

     

 Lake Macquarie Police District Commander Superintendent, Danny Sullivan. 

Former Swansea MP, Milton Orkopoulos Arrested on Further Historical Sexual Assault Offences

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Former Swansea MP and convicted paedophile, Milton Orkopoulos, has been charged with further offences, following an investigation into historic sexual assault offences in the Lake Macquarie region.

Lake Macquarie detectives attended Sydney's Long Bay Jail after an alleged victim came forward, and arrested the 62-year-old man at around about 11am on Monday June 15th.

In January 2020, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Glenwarrie to investigate allegations of historic sexual and indecent assault offences against two juvenile boys in the 1990s.

He has since been charged with 15 offences including:

• Aggravated indecent assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
• Commit act of indecency with person under 16 years
• Aggravated indecency – victim under 16 & under authority offender
• Aggravated sexual assault – victim under the age of 16 years (x5)
• Cause child under 14 to participate in child prostitution (x3)

Police will allege the man sexually and indecently assaulted two juvenile boys known to him on separate occasions in the 1990s at locations in Lake Macquarie and on the Mid North Coast.

Orkopoulous is already behind bars for violating his parole in February, after serving 11 years for 30 child sex and drug offences.

He was refused bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court via video link on Tuesday 16 June.

Investigations under Strike Force Glenwarrie are continuing.

Milton Orpkopoulos Picture dailytelegraph.com.au

Newcastle Anglicans Come To Terms With Arrest Of Former Dean Of Christ Chrurch Cathedral

BY IAN CROUCH

Members of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle are still coming to terms with the arrest of former Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Graeme Lawrence.

Officers from Strike Force Arinya went to the 75-year-old's Kotara home on Tuesday and took him to Waratah Police Station where he was charged with sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy in 1991.

Graeme Lawrence served as Dean of the Cathedral for 24 years from 1984 until 2008, but was defrocked in 2012 following a church disciplinary hearing.

In an email sent to members of the church on Tuesday night, Dean Katherine Bowyer acknowledged Lawrence's arrest would raise concerns for parishioners.

A special pastoral meeting has been arranged to support church members.

Former Dean of Christ Church Cathedral Graeme Lawrence picture: theherald.com.au

Graeme Lawrence Giving Evidence At The Royal Commission Into Child Sex Abuse In The Anglican Diocese Of Newcastle. Picture ABC