Council worker pleads guilty to grooming and child abuse material offences
Jasen William Smith admitted exploiting a decoy posing as a 14-year-old boy on Snapchat in 2024.
A 39-year-old Wangaratta librarian and council officer has pleaded guilty to seeking and sending child abuse images. Jasen William Smith admitted the crimes at the County Court in Melbourne on November 4.
Police created a Snapchat account posing as Josh, a 14-year-old boy, and contacted Smith throughout 2024. Over several weeks, Smith sent indecent images and described explicit acts.
He repeatedly asked the decoy to send sexual content. Police raided his home in October and he admitted to using the account and sending messages.
Smith is no longer in custody and will be sentenced on November 13.
- 39 years old
- Smith's age
- 14-year-old boy named Josh
- Decoy's posed age
- October 15, 2024
- Police raid date
Why it mattersThe case shows how predators use popular messaging apps to target children and why parents should monitor their teens' online contact.
AustraliaVictoria has prosecuted a major case revealing the risk of child exploitation through apps like Snapchat used by many Australian young people.
