Flaxmere man faces 13 new sex charges after second victim comes forward

Police have laid further charges against a 37-year-old Flaxmere man accused of serious sexual offending.

Police have laid a further 13 charges against a Flaxmere man accused of serious sexual offending.

The 37-year-old man, whose name has been suppressed, was initially arrested on March 23 and faces multiple charges, including abduction for sex, impeding breathing/blood circulation, two counts of unlawful sexual connection with a female over 16, and four counts male rapes female over 16.

Acting Detective Sergeant Steve Leonard said he remained in custody and is due to reappear in Napier District Court on June 12.

“Since then, a further victim has come forward in relation to offending that is reported to have occurred in the Tūrangi area on March 7,” Leonard said.

“Police have laid a further 13 charges against the man.”

These include abduction for sex, injuring with intent to injure, indecently assaulting a female over 16, male rapes female over 16, two counts of impeding breathing/blood circulation, and seven counts of unlawful sexual connection with a female over 16.

The man is due to appear in Taupō District Court on April 29 in relation to the new charges.

Leonard said police were continuing to appeal for anyone with information on any other alleged offending by this man to come forward.

“We want to thank the victims who have come forward so far and commend them on their bravery,” Leonard said.

“We know it can be very difficult and distressing to have to talk about these incidents, but we want to reassure you, and any other victims, that we take you and these matters seriously.”

Police said a dedicated team of officers and detectives was working on these cases, and they provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.

Anyone with information was asked to contact police at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, referencing file number 260316/3776.