Canberra woman charged with grooming and sexual offences in case involving teenage boy; police say evidence found in car during arrest

A Canberra woman has been charged with eight offenses linked to an alleged relationship with a boy under 16, including grooming and sexual activity, after authorities say they uncovered material connecting the pair during the arrest. Jessica May Nakkan, then 29, faces charges that include maintaining a sexual relationship with a young person under special care, grooming and possessing child exploitation material, three counts of committing an act of indecency on a person under 16, and two counts of sexual intercourse with a person under 16. Nakkan has pleaded not guilty to all eight charges and appeared in ACT Magistrates Court in relation to the case.

Court documents describe a timeline that begins with concerns raised by the boy’s mother, who noticed a marked change in her son’s behaviour earlier this year. The mother said the teen withdrew from the family, spent more time on his phone and became less willing to participate in family activities. She also reported that he declined to join a long-planned fishing trip with his father during school holidays, opting instead to spend time with Nakkan. The documents allege the mother’s concerns grew as the boy spent increasing time communicating with Nakkan via online platforms.

According to the court materials reported by local outlets, Nakkan began messaging the teenager on a daily basis after the pair met and exchanged numbers. Prosecutors allege she showered the boy with gifts, including clothing and video games, and sent him sexualised messages professing love for him. The relationship, which authorities say was kept secret through the use of multiple social media accounts, allegedly involved verbal affection and grooming designed to isolate the teen from his family.

Investigators say the alleged actions included kissing the boy on multiple occasions, indecent touching, and two instances of oral intercourse. The boy’s mother ultimately found messages and videos on his laptop and reported the matter to police. A subsequent search of Nakkan’s home reportedly turned up child exploitation material on her mobile phone that involved the pair.

Police also searched Nakkan’s car during the arrest on May 31, uncovering the teen’s birth certificate, wallet, identification documents and a school uniform. Authorities say Nakkan made admissions in a police interview, acknowledging that she had told the boy she loved him but maintaining that the expression was more parental or guardianship-based. Prosecutors say she also admitted kissing the boy, exchanging explicit photos and videos, and knowing that he was under the age of 16 at the time.

During the hearing, police outlined that Nakkan had been aware that what was happening was not appropriate or legal, even as the relationship developed. The defense has argued for variations to bail conditions, including a request to remove a strict, around-the-clock curfew because Nakkan may be moving house. The prosecution countered that there is a substantial power imbalance in the alleged relationship and that the pair attempted to conceal it. Magistrate Glenn Theakston chose to keep the curfew in place, restricting Nakkan’s movements to work or legal appointments when unaccompanied and requiring an approved person to accompany her at all other times.

Nakkan is scheduled to return to court on October 13 as the case moves forward. The proceedings come amid a broader public discussion about safeguarding young people and the ways in which adults can exploit trust within families. If you or someone you know needs confidential support, contact 1800RESPECT or Lifeline at 13 11 14.