Photo: stuartmiles99 / iStock / Getty Images
A grand jury in Onondaga County has indicted Ryan Pontello, a 33-year-old man from Clay on 48 counts of sex crimes involving children. The charges include rape, sexual abuse, and the possession and production of child sexual abuse materials. The indictment, announced on Tuesday (February 24), involves six young victims, with offenses occurring between 2022 and 2025.
Pontello, already a registered Level 1 sex offender, was first arrested in June 2025 after he allegedly lured a 5-year-old girl from a playground in North Syracuse with candy and committed sex crimes. Following his arrest, investigators discovered additional victims and evidence, including child sexual abuse material on Pontello's smartphone.
According to CNY Central, Pontello's previous conviction in 2013 involved misdemeanor sexual abuse of a 5-year-old girl in Oswego County. Despite this history, he was classified as a "low risk" offender, which kept his identity hidden from public view.
The most severe charge Pontello faces is predatory sexual assault against a child, which could result in a sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted. The Onondaga County District Attorney's Office is urging anyone with additional information to contact Chief Assistant District Attorney Jarrett Woodfork at 315-435-2470.
This case has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the sex offender registry and the protection it offers to communities. The District Attorney's Office plans to pursue the maximum sentence for Pontello, emphasizing the severity of his alleged crimes and the impact on the victims.