In December 2019, detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) began engaging online with a man from the Hunter.

Police will allege in court that the man believed he was speaking with a 13-year-old girl and engaged in conversations about sexually-explicit acts he wished to perform on the child and sent sexually-explicit material.

Following extensive investigations, strike force detectives arrested a 48-year-old man at Williamtown just before 12.30pm on Tuesday.

Shortly after, a search warrant was executed at a home in the Hunter, where detectives seized laptops, mobile phones and electronic storage devices.

The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with use carriage service to procure person under 16 years for sex and possess/control child abuse material using carriage service (x2).

The man was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Wednesday.

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation by the CEIU into the sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the CEIU; and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.

The Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad is comprised of detectives who are specially trained to investigate matters against children and adults, including sexual assault, serious physical abuse, and extreme cases of neglect.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here