The Tribune

AUTHORITIES in Grand Bahama are investigating the alleged rape and sexual assault of several young boys by a man, police confirmed yesterday.

On Tuesday, Grand Bahama police released a wanted bulletin for Anthony Fritzroy Harvey, 28, of Sea Grape Eight Mile Rock.

He was being sought in relation to matters of "unnatural sexual intercourse."

However, police in the capital confirmed Harvey turned himself in shortly before noon yesterday at the Central Police Station and was flown into Grand Bahama last night.

Police say he was handed over to authorities with the assistance of Rev Simeon Hall.

Rev Hall was not available for comment up to press time.

Assistant Superintendent Loretta Mackey, press officer for the Grand Bahama District, confirmed that Harvey is assisting officers of the Central of the Detective Unit with the alleged sexual assault of several minor boys.

The Tribune has learned that three boys, aged, 10, 11 and 12, have claimed they were sodomized and paid for sexual favours as recently as this month and dating back to 2011.

Active police investigations continue.

According to statistics there were 167 cases of child sexual abuse reported in the Bahamas last year, an increase of 11 per cent from 2010.

While a children's register and child abuse registry has not been established, Minister of State for Social Services, Loretta Butler Turner said the framework for both have been established.

She also said the Department of Social Services does maintain a record of all reported cases of child abuse.

This month is being recognised as Child Protection Month. This year's theme is "Every Child Matters."