A disturbing case of child abuse has come to light involving Thomas Gottaas, an 18-year-old man who exploited an 11-year-old boy through manipulative messaging. The revelations emerged from a court document detailing Gottaas’ actions, which included coercing the child into sending explicit content and engaging in sexual acts via a deceptive Snapchat account.
The series of events began in November 2024, when the boy, believing he was communicating with a young girl named “Mads Locket,” received a late-night text from Gottaas. He was pressured to send increasingly sexual videos. Gottaas, who was known to the child, posed as a supportive figure while secretly using the fake account to manipulate and control the boy.
Gottaas’ actions extended beyond mere coercion. He recorded explicit videos of the child, which ranged from two seconds to 11 minutes, and encouraged the boy to comply with the demands of the fake profile. In one instance, Gottaas pressed the boy, saying, “This could be the last thing and it’s over … I’d just do it, get it over and done with.” This chilling statement reflects the intense psychological pressure he exerted on the young victim.
Unraveling the Manipulation
Gottaas maintained the pretense of aiding the boy in dealing with “Mads Locket,” sending fabricated screenshots of their conversations. He even recorded videos during live calls, which he later used to further manipulate the child. When the boy expressed reluctance, Gottaas downplayed the potential consequences, telling him, “she probs won’t tho” and dismissing his fears about the videos being leaked.
The court documents reveal that Gottaas recorded a total of 16 child abuse material (CAM) videos, all created on November 16, 2024. His actions were not isolated; he was involved with multiple victims, admitting to charges involving 12 children, none of whom were his students. Gottaas’ role as a teachers’ aide during this period raises serious concerns about his access to vulnerable individuals.
In addition to coercing the 11-year-old, Gottaas also attempted to extort a 16-year-old victim by offering payment in exchange for explicit content. He suggested that the teenager engage in sexual acts in proximity to younger siblings for a higher payment, illustrating the depths of his exploitation. Although the 16-year-old did not fulfill Gottaas’ request, the exchange highlights the predatory tactics used by the abuser.
Legal Proceedings and Consequences
Gottaas was arrested on January 21, 2025, and now faces multiple charges related to the production and solicitation of child abuse material, as well as using a communication service to facilitate sexual activity with minors. He is currently out on bail, awaiting sentencing in the Campbelltown District Court scheduled for February 2025.
Throughout the investigation, the psychological impact on the victims has been significant. One boy described Gottaas as offering “free money” initially, but the situation escalated as Gottaas began making increasingly inappropriate requests. The boy noted that what had started as seemingly harmless interactions grew “worse and worse,” culminating in serious exploitative behavior.
The court proceedings continue to shed light on the severity of Gottaas’ actions, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and protection against child exploitation in the digital age. The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can arise when technology intersects with predatory behavior.
