Trevor James Scroop, a 65-year-old man from South Australia, is facing serious allegations of sexual abuse involving 30 children over a period of three decades. He reportedly struck a deal with a child protection agency, allowing him to provide accommodation and education for vulnerable minors. Allegations indicate that Scroop frequently travelled to communities in the Northern Territory to bring children back to South Australia, where he allegedly abused them.
In 2023, Scroop was arrested and initially charged with two child sex offences. However, following an extensive investigation coordinated by South Australian and Northern Territory police, additional charges were unveiled, bringing the total to 44 sex offences ranging from 1989 to 2023. These include severe accusations such as unlawful sexual intercourse, child sexual abuse, aggravated indecent assault, and possession of child exploitation material.
Scroop appeared in the South Australia District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the accusations. The lifting of earlier suppression orders has allowed for the revelation of his identity. He previously worked as an ABC cameraman and was entrusted with the care of numerous Aboriginal boys as part of his arrangement with the South Australian Department for Child Protection.
Authorities have described the investigation as “complex and incredibly confronting.” Catherine Hilliard, Acting Assistant Commissioner of South Australia Police, confirmed that Scroop provided accommodation and schooling for a significant number of young individuals from the Northern Territory for an extended time. She emphasised that the victims’ privacy and safety are the utmost priority for the police, who have also been providing ongoing support to those affected.
In his response to the situation, Northern Territory Police Assistant Commissioner Michael White condemned the alleged offences as “abhorrent,” describing their scale as deeply disturbing. He reassured the community that Scroop is in custody and believed to have acted independently.
Both police commissioners urged the public to come forward with any further information regarding Scroop’s activities, noting that ongoing court suppression orders restrict what can be disclosed about the victims and their families. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas asserted that anyone convicted of such heinous crimes should face the full extent of the law, prioritising the needs of the victims.
Scroop is set to reappear in court in August. Meanwhile, support services are being highlighted for those in need, including Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and specialised counselling services for individuals impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence.