Author charged with grooming 13yo girl
Mr Phommavanh, 41, was arrested at an address at Old Guildford in Sydney’s west on Friday following an investigation by detectives from Strike Force Trawler.
Footage released by NSW Police shows him being led from the address in handcuffs after officers executed a search warrant, seizing several devices.
Mr Phommavanh - a former primary school teacher and comedian turned children’s writer - is the author of several books, including Thai-riffic!, Con-nerd and The Other Christy.
He describes himself as someone who “loves to make people laugh” and offers a “fresh, positive voice for cultural diversity in children’s literature”.
Mr Phommavanh has featured on panels including the Sydney Writers’ Festival and has been an ambassador for the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Detectives from Strike Force Trawler launched an investigation early May after receiving an interstate report the author was allegedly communicating inappropriately with a child online.
“During the investigation, the man allegedly sent inappropriate photos and videos to – who he believed – was a 13-year-old girl,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“Detectives will allege in court the man used his position as a children’s author to engage inappropriately with children online.”
Mr Phommavanh has been charged with use carriage service to groom under 16 years old for sex and use carriage service procure less than 16 years old for sexual activity.
He was refused bail and appeared before Fairfield Local Court on Friday.
Investigations under Strike Force Trawler continue.
