David Pastorello, a 44-year-old resident of Ithaca, New York, was arrested on Tuesday evening and appeared in court Wednesday to face federal charges of enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the FBI.
According to the complaint, Pastorello sent text messages to a girl under 12 years old, repeatedly asking her to have sex with him. He also sent indecent images of himself and two images classified as child pornography under federal law. The complaint further alleges that Pastorello entered the victim’s apartment without permission before fleeing. These are allegations at this stage; Pastorello is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Prior to these alleged offenses, Pastorello faced state charges related to child sexual abuse. In May 2025, he was arraigned in Tompkins County Court for possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old. In July 2025, shortly before the new federal charges arose, he pleaded guilty in Cortland County Court to disseminating indecent material to a minor. Sentencing in that case has not yet occurred, and he was out on bond for both pending state cases at the time of his arrest.
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.”
After his initial court appearance, Pastorello was placed into custody by the United States Marshals Service pending further proceedings.
If convicted on enticement of a minor charges, Pastorello could face up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years; for distribution of child pornography he faces up to twenty years with at least five years mandatory minimum prison time if convicted. Sentencing decisions are made by judges based on relevant statutes and guidelines as well as other factors specific to each case; conviction would also require registration as a sex offender.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the FBI and New York State Police while Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecutes as part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative led by U.S Attorneys’ Offices along with other agencies aimed at combating online exploitation and abuse against children (more information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc).
