Ex-Worker Charged with Child Sex Crimes

0:00This is Cory with Sydney News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. A former employee of Western Australia's Department of Communities has been charged with serious child sex crimes. Barry Wayne Lawrence, now 39, faces eight counts, including four for sexually penetrating a boy, aged 13 to 16. The alleged rape happened in April 2012 when Lawrence was in his mid-20s and working for the agency that protects vulnerable kids. Lawrence lived in the mandora's suburb of Coden up at the time. He held a role as a youth and family support worker since 2010. Detectives from the Child Exploitation Unit brought the charges after investigating the old case. In the community, Lawrence was seen as a leader. He chaired the City of Mandora's N.A.I. dot committee and ran football programs for local Indigenous youth. Just last month, in September 2024, he received the Partnership Award from the Child Protection Minister for his work as an Aboriginal Practice Leader. Recent promotions by a local health service highlighted his involvement in youth camps and drop-in programs in the mandora and peel areas.

1:06That has raised questions about oversight and child-focused roles. Lawrence is doing court next week to face these charges. Officials have not commented further on the investigation. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor. When you want calm, do not reach for your phone. Lay back and listen. S-O-L-L-I-SoliPillow.com