ALBANY, NY – A prominent business leader in New York’s Capital Region has been arrested and charged with attempting to entice a minor for sex, following a federal undercover operation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
Peter Bardunias, 59, of Clifton Park, a Senior Vice President of Community Advancement for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, was charged Tuesday with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity, a crime that carries a potential life sentence.
Disturbing messages revealed in criminal complaint
Federal investigators allege that over the past two weeks, Bardunias exchanged graphic and violent messages with an individual he believed was a 15-year-old girl — who was, in reality, an undercover law enforcement officer.
According to the complaint, Bardunias described in detail acts of “strangling” and “torturing” the supposed minor. On October 6, he allegedly drove to Warren County to meet the child, bringing candy “to make her feel comfortable.” Agents arrested him shortly after his arrival.
A subsequent search of Bardunias’ home reportedly uncovered sex toys, restraints, and a knife matching items he had described as part of a planned “torture chamber.”
Federal officials condemn alleged conduct
“As alleged, this man’s intentions were heinous and unspeakable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Thanks to the swift action of the FBI, he was stopped before he could harm anyone.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi urged parents to stay vigilant about online communications, calling the allegations “shocking” and “evil.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli said the agency used every resource available to ensure Bardunias “could not carry out his disturbingly sinister plans.”
Facing life in prison if convicted
The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life imprisonment, along with potential fines up to $250,000 and supervised release of five years to life.
Bardunias made his initial court appearance in Albany before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista and remains in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Friday.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian as part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative targeting online child exploitation.