November 26, 2024

Craig Kelly adviser Frank Zumbo charged with alleged historical sexual offences

Craig Kelly #CraigKelly

Aleksey Kostin wearing a suit and tie: Photograph: Alan Porritt/AAP © Provided by The Guardian Photograph: Alan Porritt/AAP

Frank Zumbo, the long-serving staffer of federal MP Craig Kelly, has been charged with 18 offences including seven counts of aggravated indecent assault relating to allegations made by four women.

Police in New South Wales said Zumbo, 53, was arrested at the Sutherland police station on Friday afternoon, following an investigation into historical sexual assault offences.

He faces 18 charges, including two counts of aggravated sexually touching another person, seven counts of aggravated indecent assault where the victim was under the authority of the offender, and nine counts of common assault.

The investigation, which began in August last year, came following reports that a 16-year-old girl had alleged she was indecently assaulted by Zumbo.

“During the investigation, additional women came forward, alleging they were indecently assaulted by the same man,” police said.

In a statement, NSW police said it would be alleged in court that Zumbo “sexually touched and indecently assaulted three women” aged 23, 26 and 27, as well as the 16-year-old “on multiple occasions in the workplace between 2014 and 2020”.

Zumbo, from Maroubra in Sydney’s south, was refused bail and was due to appear at Parramatta local court on Saturday.

Police said on Saturday that investigations under Strikeforce Ornoco were continuing.

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