A 44-year-old Ithaca man is facing federal charges after allegedly contacting a young girl and sending her explicit images.
David Pastorello was arrested on Tuesday and appeared in federal court on Wednesday on charges of enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography. According to federal prosecutors, Pastorello is accused of sending repeated messages to a girl under the age of 12, including explicit photos and messages. Authorities also say he entered the girl’s home without permission before fleeing.
At the time of his arrest, Pastorello was already facing separate child exploitation charges in Tompkins and Cortland counties. In May, he was arraigned on a charge of possessing a sexual performance by a child under 16 in Tompkins County. Earlier this month, he pleaded guilty in Cortland County to disseminating indecent material to a minor. He had been released on bond in both cases.
Following his federal court appearance, Pastorello was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life for enticement of a minor, and between 5 and 20 years for distribution of child pornography. He would also be required to register as a sex offender.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “Thanks to the quick work of federal, state, and local law enforcement, children have been protected and a dangerous predator has been apprehended. Despite having committed other crimes relating to child sexual abuse, Pastorello was allowed by state authorities to be out of custody. His new crimes demonstrate how dangerously unwise that decision was. Pastorello will be held fully accountable for the federal offenses he has committed.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “Mr. Pastorello, a repeat offender with an alarming criminal history, is a dangerous predator who is now facing serious federal charges. These charges would not have been possible without the incredible assistance and coordination provided by our partners from the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office, Ithaca Police Department, and New York State Police. Our communities should know the FBI is committed to leveraging these strong partnerships to bring the full weight of the federal government down on these disturbing predators looking to harm our children.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI and New York State Police.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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