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A convicted sex offender, Ryan Pontello, is back in custody after allegedly committing new crimes in Clay. Authorities claim that on Sunday (June 8), the 33-year-old used candy to lure a five-year-old girl from a playground at a North Syracuse apartment complex into a wooded area, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her. The child managed to escape and inform others, leading to Pontello's arrest the following day.
Pontello, a Level 1 registered sex offender, faces multiple charges, including first-degree rape, sex abuse, luring a child, and endangering the welfare of a child. According to Spectrum News, he has also been charged in connection with a separate incident involving a three-year-old victim earlier this year.
The Onondaga County Sheriff's Office is conducting a thorough investigation, reviewing Pontello's social media and phone records for potential evidence of other crimes. CNY Central reports that community members are outraged, questioning how Pontello remained under the radar despite his offender status. Sheriff Toby Shelley and District Attorney William Fitzpatrick are seeking more information from the public, as they suspect there may be additional victims.
Pontello's case is expected to go before a grand jury, and more charges could be filed based on the ongoing investigation. He is currently being held without bail at the Justice Center jail. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office.