Peter Bardunias, a senior vice president at the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, has been charged with attempting to entice a minor for sexual activity. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and FBI Special Agent Craig L. Tremaroli.
The complaint alleges that Bardunias, 59, from Clifton Park, New York, engaged in online conversations over two weeks with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl. During these exchanges, he reportedly discussed violent and sadistic acts. The individual was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.
On October 6, 2025, Bardunias traveled to Warren County, New York, intending to meet the supposed minor and brought candy to make them feel comfortable. He was arrested shortly after arriving.
A search of Bardunias' home revealed items including restraints and a knife that matched descriptions he allegedly provided in his messages about preparing a "torture chamber."
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the importance of parental vigilance regarding children's online interactions: "Parents need to be hyper-aware of conversations their children are having via text or online — predators often lurk behind screens."
Acting U.S. Attorney Sarcone described the alleged actions as "heinous" and expressed gratitude for the FBI's intervention: "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."
FBI Special Agent Tremaroli called the allegations "truly horrific" and commended those who provided information leading to Bardunias' arrest: "We will continue to use every resource available to find and hold accountable any predator looking to victimize our most vulnerable."
Bardunias faces serious charges with potential life imprisonment if convicted. He appeared before Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista in Albany and remains in custody pending a detention hearing on October 10, 2025.
The investigation involved the FBI's Child Exploitation Task Force and other law enforcement agencies like the Colonie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph S. Hartunian is prosecuting under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative aimed at combating child exploitation.
For more details on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Information from this article can be found here.
