A Syracuse city employee has been fired after being arrested on multiple felony charges accusing him of sexually exploiting a 12-year-old girl.
The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 45-year-old James DeSantis of Syracuse following an investigation that began when patrol deputies responded to a report of a young girl with an older man in a parking lot. According to investigators, the man fled the scene when another adult approached.
Detectives later reviewed the victim’s Snapchat account and said they discovered messages indicating the two had communicated online and that physical sexual contact had occurred.
Authorities identified DeSantis as the suspect and noted he is a New York State Level 3 registered sex offender, the state’s highest risk designation for repeat offenses.
DeSantis has been charged with numerous felonies, including attempted first-degree rape, luring a child to commit a felony, multiple counts of first-degree sexual abuse, aggravated sexual abuse, first-degree stalking, disseminating indecent material to minors and coercion. He also faces misdemeanor charges of third-degree obscenity and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Following his arrest, DeSantis was booked into the Onondaga County Justice Center.
In a statement, Syracuse Mayor Sharon Owens said the city has terminated DeSantis’ employment.
“These allegations are horrific. Our thoughts are with the victim and her family as they endure an unimaginable ordeal,” Owens said.
Because of the nature of the investigation and DeSantis’ criminal history, Sheriff’s detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Anyone with information or who believes they or someone they know may have had contact with DeSantis is urged to contact the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division at 315-435-3081. Investigators said all calls will be kept confidential.
