A joint law enforcement investigation that occurred over 14 days this month has led to the arrest of three men accused of attempting to engage in sexual acts with minors under 15 years old.
The operation, conducted by the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn Police Department, New York State Police, Finger Lakes Drug Task Force, and the FBI, targeted individuals seeking illicit contact with underage children.
Daniel Miller, 39, of Liverpool; Brian Neilson, 41, of Seneca Falls; and Anthony T. Bartolotta, 49, of Auburn; were all arrested and charged with second-degree attempted rape.
Sheriff Schenck and Chief Slayton expressed appreciation for the members of their agencies, law enforcement partners, and the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office for their proactive efforts in addressing child sexual abuse in their community. “There is no worse criminal offender than those that intentionally prey on children and we will continue to utilize all resources available to identify, arrest, and hold accountable those that victimize them,” the two said in a joint statement.
The investigation, still ongoing, may uncover additional victims. However, Sheriff Schenck told FingerLakes1.com that he did not expect any additional arrests at this time.
The Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office and the Auburn Police Department are urging anyone with information to contact them. The Sheriff’s Office can be reached through its website, www.cayugasheriff.com, or by calling its Criminal Investigation Division at 315-253-1610.
The Auburn Police Department can be contacted at [email protected] or at the Detective Bureau on 315-255-4705. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.
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