Prominent Australian author Craig Silvey has been charged with additional offences as part of an ongoing police investigation into alleged child exploitation material.
Police in Western Australia confirmed that detectives have laid two new charges against Silvey.
The author is now accused of producing child exploitation material and possessing child exploitation material, in addition to earlier charges announced in January.
Investigation began in January
The case began after detectives executed a search warrant at Silvey’s home in Fremantle on 12 January.
Police allege that during the investigation officers discovered the author actively engaging online with other child exploitation offenders.
At the time, Silvey was charged with two offences:
- Distribution of child exploitation material
- Possession of child exploitation material
Additional charges laid
On Monday, investigators added two more charges.
These include:
- One count of producing child exploitation material
- One additional count of possessing child exploitation material
Silvey is scheduled to appear before the Fremantle Magistrates Court.
Second person charged
As part of the wider investigation, police say they also identified another suspect.
A 68-year-old woman was arrested on 18 February.
Authorities allege she produced and distributed child exploitation material online.
She has been charged with:
- Two counts of producing child exploitation material
- One count of distribution of child exploitation material
- Three counts of failing to comply with reporting obligations
Police say she remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on 2 April.
Author known for major Australian novels
Silvey is widely known for writing the novels Jasper Jones and Runt, both of which gained international recognition.
The case is continuing through the court process.