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Peter Bardunias, a former vice president at the Capital Region Chamber, is expected in court today (October 24) in Albany, New York, for a detention hearing. Prosecutors allege that Bardunias, aged 59, attempted to entice a girl under 18 for sexual activity. However, the supposed minor was an undercover police officer.
Bardunias was arrested in Warren County when he believed he was meeting the minor. According to the Department of Justice, he had been communicating with the officer, whom he thought was a 15-year-old girl, since September 26. The criminal complaint details Bardunias's violent sexual fantasies and his plans to meet the minor. He allegedly brought candy to make the minor feel comfortable and had a box of sex toys at his residence, which included restraints and a knife.
According to Times Union, Bardunias allegedly wrote disturbing messages to the undercover officer, expressing a desire to harm the minor. He claimed these conversations were fantasies and did not intend to act on them. The FBI's search of his home found materials consistent with his alleged plans.
The charges against Bardunias carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of 10 years if convicted. He has resigned from his position at the Chamber, and the organization has placed him on unpaid suspension pending investigation, as noted by Yahoo News. The Chamber emphasized its commitment to integrity and transparency during this challenging time.