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Police have made six arrests as part of an operation investigating historic crimes at the Dilworth School in Auckland.
Photo: RNZ / Dan Cook
Six men have been arrested and charged with a series of serious crimes that allegedly occurred over several decades from the 1970s to the early 2000s.
Police say there are at least 17 victims.
The men arrested are between 68 and 78 years old and face charges related to indecent assault and supply of prohibited drugs.
A 72-year-old man has been charged with committing an indecent act and three counts of indecent assault.
A 73-year-old man faces numerous charges related to rape, indecent assault, sexual exploitation and the supply of class A, B and C drugs.
A 68-year-old man faces a charge of indecent assault and inducing an indecent act.
A 69-year-old man has been charged with indecent assault.
A 72-year-old man faces four charges related to indecent assault.
A 78-year-old man has been charged with three counts of indecent assault.
They are expected to appear on 5 and 6 October in Auckland District Court.
The police are encouraging anyone who may have information related to the case to come forward.
Dilworth Trust Board apologizes for abuse
The Dilworth School charity is “saddened” that some students were abused while in the care of the school.
Dilworth Trust Board Chairman Aaron Snodgrass and Director Dan Reddiex speaking:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjbWsoHZUaw
The Dilworth Trust Board apologized to the abused alumni.
Its president, Aaron Snodgrass, said they had contacted all the alumni and offered them support services, including counseling.
“We have reached out to all of our Old Boys and made support services available through the school, including access to a free and confidential listening service and counseling for those who wish to discuss their experiences with an independent clinical psychologist. Snodgrass said in a statement.
Snodgrass said none of the defendants had any current connection to the school and that the board had full confidence in its current employees.
“Our focus will be on the well-being of our current students, supporting our Old Boys and our Dilworth community at large.”
