U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of Tony Rodriguez, a 40-year-old Fairport resident, on charges of enticement and possession of child pornography. The charges carry a minimum sentence of 10 years and could lead to life imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola explained that the investigation began when an online community group leader contacted the Fairport Police Department about messages from a Facebook account under the name “Tony Rodrigo.” Rodriguez was identified as the user behind this account.
According to the complaint, Rodriguez engaged in explicit conversations with someone he believed to be an 11-year-old girl named Emiry. These conversations included lewd images and plans to meet for sex. On March 12, 2025, Rodriguez went to meet Emiry at Fairport Library but was confronted by a community member instead. This confrontation led to police involvement after Rodriguez admitted his intentions and interactions with other minors before leaving the scene.
On April 15, 2025, another incident involved Rodriguez attempting to meet a supposed 13-year-old for sex in Perinton. This encounter was orchestrated by another online volunteer group posing as minors to expose predators. Monroe County Sheriff's deputies detained Rodriguez at this meeting location.
Rodriguez used Roblox to connect with alleged victims on Facebook and had multiple social media accounts where he communicated with minors. A search of his phones revealed approximately six images of child pornography.
The case is being handled by several law enforcement agencies including the FBI, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and Fairport Police Department. The investigation remains ongoing.
Rodriguez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark W. Pedersen and was detained pending further proceedings.
"The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty."
