An Australian author is facing criminal charges after publishing a controversial novel that authorities allege contains child abuse material.
According to the Daily Telegraph Australia, Lauren Tesolin-Mastrosa, who writes under the pseudonym Tori Woods, was arrested last week after police launched an investigation into her book, “Daddy’s Little Toy”.
The novel, described as “extreme horror,” has drawn significant public backlash, with law enforcement treating its content as potentially illegal.
According to New South Wales police, the investigation began on March 21 after officers from the Riverstone Police Area Command received reports about the book.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Tesolin-Mastrosa’s home in Sydney, where they seized multiple copies of the book for forensic examination.
Following her arrest, Tesolin-Mastrosa deactivated her social media accounts.
She has denied accusations that her book promotes child abuse, asserting that it is a work of fiction.
However, authorities argue that certain fictional content can still be classified as child abuse material under Australian law.
The controversy has had significant professional repercussions for Tesolin-Mastrosa.
She was removed from her role as a marketing executive at the Christian organization BaptistCare, which distanced itself from her work.
Additionally, Georgia Stove, the illustrator of the book’s cover, cut ties with the author, stating that she had been unaware of the book’s content.
Tesolin-Mastrosa is scheduled to appear in court on March 31.
If convicted, she could face severe penalties under Australian law.
The case has sparked a broader debate on the boundaries of creative expression and the legal classification of fictional material depicting illegal activities.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to prosecuting any content that meets the legal definition of child abuse material, regardless of format.
