By ANNA USHER

An Artarmon childcare worker and former NSW Police employee has been accused of producing child abuse material of 10 children in his care, across six different centres.

David James, 26, has been charged with filming children aged between five and six to make child-abuse videos. It is alleged he filmed the young boys, including while they used the bathroom.

On Thursday, an additional 52 out-of-school-hours (OOSH) care services where Mr James worked between March 2018 and September 2024 were notified.

The AFP holds no evidence to suggest any alleged offending took place at these facilities.

They have created a website listing every centre, largely based on the north shore, and the dates he worked there.

All identified, impacted families have been notified, with support services being provided by NSW Health.

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Brett James said the investigation began in June 2024 after child abuse material was detected on the dark web.

“A man was identified as being allegedly responsible for this material and a search warrant at his home was executed at his Artarmon home in September 2024,” he said.

Police will allege Mr James refused to then provide access to his electronic devices and was charged, before being granted bail by the courts five days later.

Forensics investigators were subsequently able to access James’ devices and found the alleged child abuse material.

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They allege 142,000 files totalling 19 gigabytes were found, including pictures and videos, and James was charged with 13 offences:

• Nine counts of aggravated use of child under 14 to make child abuse material, contrary to section 91G(3) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
• One count of use of child under 14 to make child abuse material, contrary to section 91G(1)(a) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.
• Two counts of possessing child abuse material, contrary to section 91H(2) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW). This carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment; and
• One count of contravene requirements of a s3LA order when the warrant relates to a serious offence, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). This offence has a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

“Victim identification is a painstaking and detailed process that can take months to carry out,” the Assistant Commissioner said.

“It’s very important for me to reassure parents and carers in the community about this investigation. If you have not heard from the AFP, it is because we have no evidence which has linked your family to this man’s offending,” he said.

Locations and dates worked:

Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.

If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.

Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protect children online can be found at the ThinkUKnow website, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

For more information on the role of the ACCCE, what is online child sexual exploitation and how to report it visit the ACCCE website.