David Pastorello, a 44-year-old resident of Ithaca, New York, was arrested Tuesday evening and appeared in court Wednesday on federal charges related to the 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 FBI’s Albany Field Office.
According to the complaint, Pastorello allegedly sent text messages to a girl under 12 years old, asking her to have sex with him. He is also accused of sending indecent images of himself and two images that meet the federal definition of child pornography. The complaint further alleges that he entered the victim’s apartment without permission before fleeing. Authorities emphasized that these are accusations and Pastorello is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Before this incident, Pastorello had been arraigned in Tompkins County Court in May 2025 for possessing a sexual performance by a child under 16 years old. In July 2025, days before his federal arrest, he pleaded guilty in Cortland County Court to disseminating indecent material to a minor; sentencing for that case was pending at the time of his latest arrest. He had been released on bond for both state cases.
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 added: “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 appearance in court, Pastorello was placed into custody by the United States Marshals Service while further proceedings are pending.
If convicted on the charge of enticement of a minor, Pastorello could face up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years; for distribution of child pornography, he faces up to 20 years with at least five years required by law upon conviction. Sentencing decisions would consider statutory requirements as well as U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors determined by the judge. Conviction would also require him to register as a sex offender.
The ongoing investigation involves both the FBI and New York State Police; Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting under Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative led by U.S Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS aimed at combating online child exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state and local agencies (https://www.justice.gov/psc).
