A local chamber of commerce leader was charged Tuesday after allegedly sending violent sexual messages to someone he believed was a 15‑year‑old girl.
Authorities identified him as Peter Bardunias, 59, of Clifton Park, who worked as senior vice president of community advancement for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce.
Federal prosecutors say Bardunias told the undercover official he wanted to “strangle[]” and “tortur[e]” the purported child while raping them. On October 6, Bardunias traveled to Warren County to meet the would‑be minor and brought candy to make them feel more comfortable. Authorities took him into custody shortly after.
A search warrant at Bardunias’ home reportedly revealed a box of sex toys that included restraints and a knife consistent with the materials he described for a “torture chamber.” The complaint charges him with attempting to entice a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of ten years, a fine up to $250,000, and supervised release from five years to life. Bardunias had an initial appearance in Albany and was held pending a detention hearing set for Friday, October 10.
“Parents need to be hyper‑aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “This man’s alleged crimes are shocking, and our prosecutors will ensure he faces severe consequences for his evil conduct towards an innocent child.”
“As alleged in the federal criminal complaint filed today, Peter Bardunias attempted to engage in what can only be described as heinous, unspeakable, and violent actions against a minor,” Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said. “I am thankful that the FBI intervened to ensure that he was unable to follow through in any of this horrific activity with a real minor, and our community is safer tonight because Bardunias is behind bars.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli said, “As detailed in the criminal complaint, the allegations against Mr. Bardunias are truly horrific. His intentions were beyond disturbing and have resulted in serious federal charges. The FBI commends the brave individual who contacted us with information that immediately launched this investigation and put an end to these disturbingly sinister plans. We will continue to use every resource available to find and hold accountable any predator looking to victimize our most vulnerable, and we encourage anyone with additional information on Mr. Bardunias to contact our office.”
The FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. The charges in the complaint are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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