Anthony T. Bartolotta, a well-known property owner in Auburn, was arrested on charges of second-degree attempted rape as part of an elaborate police sting operation. Late last month we reported on this investigation, which also involved the arrest of a Seneca Falls man.
According to authorities, the 49-year-old Bartolotta allegedly sought to engage in sexual activities with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, who was in reality an undercover officer. Bartolotta offered to pay for explicit acts, requested nude photos, and arranged a meeting at an address in Olympia Terrace, where he was arrested on June 21 for the Class D felony.
The sting operation, a two-week joint effort involving the Auburn Police Department, Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, the Finger Lakes Drug Task Force, and the FBI, was intended to identify individuals attempting to engage in sexual acts with children under 15.
Bartolotta, who runs the R&M Real Estate Group with his family, was arrested along with two other individuals, Daniel Miller and Brian Neilson.
As the investigation continues, authorities believe more victims may be identified. Police are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
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