Ithaca man taken into federal custody after being charged with enticement of a minor and distributing child pornography

Syracuse, New York – A 44-year-old man from Ithaca, New York, is facing serious federal charges after being arrested this week in connection with disturbing crimes involving a child under the age of 12. David Pastorello was taken into custody Tuesday evening and made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday, where he was formally charged with 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 federal authorities, Pastorello engaged in deeply troubling behavior, including sending sexually explicit messages to a young girl and distributing child pornography.

The criminal complaint outlines that Pastorello not only sent lewd images of himself to the child but also transmitted two images that meet the federal definition of child pornography. The complaint further alleges that he unlawfully entered the victim’s residence before fleeing the scene. Officials stressed that the charges are currently only allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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“This is an alarming case,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone. “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.”

What makes this case particularly concerning is Pastorello’s prior criminal record. In May 2025, he was arraigned in Tompkins County Court for possessing a sexual performance by a child under 16—a felony offense under New York State law. Then, in July 2025, just days before the current federal charges emerged, he pleaded guilty in Cortland County Court to disseminating indecent material to a minor. Despite these charges, Pastorello was free on bond in both cases at the time of his latest offense.

FBI officials emphasized the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies in apprehending individuals like Pastorello.

“Mr. Pastorello, a repeat offender with an alarming criminal history, is a dangerous predator who is now facing serious federal charges,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli. “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.”

Following his court appearance, Pastorello was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service. He will remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.

If convicted, Pastorello faces potentially severe penalties. The charge of enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison. The charge of distributing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years. If found guilty, he would also be required to register as a sex offender. Final sentencing would be determined by a federal judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

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Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative. The FBI and New York State Police are leading the investigation.

Project Safe Childhood, launched in 2006, is a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal, state, and local resources to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who target children through online platforms. In addition to pursuing offenders, the initiative also works to identify and rescue victims.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, including ways to report suspected abuse or exploitation, individuals can visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

While the investigation continues, law enforcement is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. Officials remain committed to ensuring that those who pose a threat to children are swiftly brought to justice.

As this case develops, federal prosecutors are making it clear that they intend to use every available legal tool to hold Pastorello accountable and to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society—its children.