Former Bendigo forensics officer charged with child abuse material offences

Vincent Manner, a 57-year-old former digital forensic officer in Bendigo, has been formally charged with multiple offences. These include misconduct in public office, failing to provide information under a warrant, and up to six counts of possessing and accessing child abuse material. The charges come after a police investigation, conducted by the Professional Standards Unit in collaboration with the Cybercrime Squad and the Office of Public Prosecutions, into the former officer's conduct.

Mr. Manner was initially suspended without pay in August of the previous year but resigned during the ongoing inquiry.

Following the identification of potentially affected matters, there was a comprehensive review of forensic data. This process, concluded by police, confirmed that all issues have been identified and reviewed, with impacted parties having been duly notified. Mr. Manner is set to appear in Bendigo Magistrates Court on November 4.