Alan Jones, High-Profile Broadcaster, Faces Two Additional Charges
Australian broadcaster Alan Jones, 83, is now facing a total of 26 charges as two more offences have been added by the police.
The police revealed that a ninth victim has come forward, leading to the additional charges against the veteran high-profile broadcaster.
Previously, on Nov. 18, Jones was charged with 24 offences against eight individuals, including indecent and common assault.
The latest charges were brought after New South Wales (NSW) Police received new legal advice.
Throughout his long career, Jones has been accused of indecently assaulting several young men and boys, sparking an investigation by NSW Police after the allegations were reported by The Sydney Morning Herald in December 2023.
It should be noted that The Epoch Times has not independently verified the claims made in the newspaper report.
Jones filed a defamation suit against The Sydney Morning Herald shortly after the initial report emerged.
The Initial Charges
NSW Police laid the charges after an investigation spanning two decades revealed a series of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019.
According to a statement, Strike Force Bonnefin from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad initiated inquiries that led to Jones being arrested and charged with a total of 24 offences against eight victims.
The charges include aggravated indecent assault, assault with an act of indecency, sexual touching without consent, and common assault.
Jones has been granted conditional bail following the charges.
Police Continue to Investigate
New South Wales Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald mentioned that the task force’s work is ongoing, anticipating more individuals to come forward with information related to the case.
He stated that investigators are currently engaging with people and will continue to do so.
A Storied Career
Alan Jones kickstarted his successful broadcasting career in 1985, becoming known for his hard-hitting interviews and access to high-profile political guests.
He dominated the airwaves with Sydney radio station 2UE before moving to rival station 2GB, maintaining a significant market share over the years.
Later, he worked with Sky News Australia and ADH TV, but has been off-air since November 2023 while still speaking at private events.
Jones is known for his strong conservative views, attending events like the Conservative Political Action Conference in Australia and being critical of climate change movements and COVID-19 lockdowns, which sometimes put him at odds with his colleagues.
His controversial remarks, such as suggesting violence towards former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, have landed him in trouble, including breaching media rules as determined by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
Jones, a former national men’s rugby union team coach and school teacher, continues to face scrutiny as the case unfolds.
