Peter Bardunias, 59, of Clifton Park, New York, has been charged with attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli.
According to a criminal complaint filed on October 7, 2025, Bardunias, who serves as Senior Vice President of Community Advancement for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, allegedly sent messages over the past two weeks to someone he believed was a 15-year-old girl. The messages included discussions about violent and sadistic sexual acts.
The complaint states that Bardunias told the individual—who was actually an undercover law enforcement official—that he wanted to “strangle[]” and “tortur[e]” the supposed child while raping them. On October 6, Bardunias traveled to Warren County, New York, with candy intended for the minor. He was arrested shortly after arriving at the meeting location. A search warrant executed at his residence reportedly uncovered a box containing sex toys, restraints, and a knife similar to items he had mentioned using in his conversations.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said, “Parents need to be hyper-aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens. This man’s alleged crimes are shocking, and our prosecutors will ensure he faces severe consequences for his evil conduct towards an innocent child.”
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “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. 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.”
If convicted, Bardunias faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of ten years imprisonment, a fine up to $250,000, and supervised release ranging from five years to life. Sentencing would be determined by a judge based on federal statutes, sentencing guidelines, and other relevant factors.
Bardunias appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista in Albany and is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for October 10.
Authorities remind the public that charges are accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force with support from federal, state, and local agencies including the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting the case under Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online and rescuing victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
