A 54 year-old unemployed Mt Roskill man was arrested on Friday and appeared in the Auckland District Court on several charges including unlawful sexual connection, sexual violation, kidnapping, aggravated wounding, threatening to kill and assault with a weapon in relation to three victims.
The man was also charged with drug-related offences. He is facing a total of 36 charges relating to offences that allegedly occurred between 1983 and February 2014.
He has been remanded to appear in the Auckland District Court on Thursday 16 October for a bail hearing.
The arrest is the result of an ongoing investigation into the July 2005 murder of 22 year-old Mt Roskill resident Katrina Jefferies whose body was discovered in Waikowhai Reserve on July 12 that year.
No one has been charged with her murder and Auckland City Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Scott Beard, says although this arrest was made by the Operation Lyra investigation team, the charges against the man are not related to Katrina.
"The operation has been running since July and in that time we've spoken to several people, some of whom made disclosures and complaints to us that required further follow-up and which resulted in these charges being laid against the accused.
"The investigation into the 2005 murder of Katrina Jefferies, mother of a two-year old at the time of her death, continues and we'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has information that might assist us.
"We have put a great deal of effort into reviewing the earlier Op Waikowhai file and have been able to build on the good work our colleagues did in those years. Operation Lyra will continue to follow up on any information that needs further exploration and we welcome the opportunity to progress this homicide investigation as far as we can take it."
Anyone with information about Katrina Jefferies' murder should call 09 302.6465. Anonymous information can go to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz
