Wellington musician charged with rape received name suppression

A 23-year-old musician arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into sex crimes in Wellington was released on bail and will keep his name under wraps for now.

Operation Emerald launched in October after posts were posted on social media about a group of musicians.

The man has been charged with seven counts related to sexual assault and appeared in Wellington District Court today.

He faces five charges of rape and two of indecent assault. There are six whistleblowers and seven charges in total, with the alleged incidents occurring between 2017 and 2020.

All but one allegedly took place in the capital.

Judge Patrick Grace granted the man a provisional name removal until the next hearing on January 28.

The maximum sentence for rape is 20 years and for indecent assault is seven years.

Last month, police investigating allegations of sexual assault against some in the Wellington music scene said they had received approximately 20 complaints from women.

A spokesperson told the Herald at the time that the nature of the reports received related to sexual assaults and crimes over a period of 18 months.

None of the women were underage. Police said no charges had been filed at the time and investigations into the case were under way.

Police asked anyone with more information to call 105 and cite Operation Esmeralda.