Two men charged over vile alleged crimes against children in Emerald
A man is accused of pointing a firearm at two children bound with duct tape.
The 44-year-old man was arrested at a property in Emerald, in Queensland's Central Highlands, after investigations into illegal firearms and illicit drugs.
While items were being seized at the man's property, police located a mobile phone that allegedly contained an image of the man and two children bound with duct tape.
The image also allegedly depicted the man pointing a firearm at the two children.
'It will be further alleged the image had been forwarded on to several other people after being taken,' police said
Police said the children had been identified and were safe.
It's alleged they are known to the man but are not related.
He has been charged with unlawful possession of category H firearms, dangerous conduct with weapon and two counts of deprivation of liberty.
He has been granted bail on strict conditions and is expected to face Emerald Magistrates Court on August 26.
In a separate incident, a 59-year-old man was arrested and charged with numerous offences at a property in Emerald on July 18 after community members raised the alarm.
It's alleged the man provided dangerous drugs to a child before sexual assaulting them between June and July 2025.
'The man has been charged with the grooming of a child under 16 years, rape, supplying dangerous drugs to a minor and breach of bail,' police said.
He has been remanded in custody and is expected to face Emerald Magistrates Court on Tuesday July 22.
Queensland Police Detective Sergeant Dylan Brook said police were 'committed to supporting victims of sexual abuse with compassion and worked diligently and tirelessly to hold offenders accountable through the court system'.
'I would like to thank the community members for having the courage to report the matters to the police and supporting the victim survivors,' he said.
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