A Rochester man has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice minors for sexual activity, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo. Tony Rodriguez, 40, entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Meredith A. Vacca on charges of attempted enticement of a minor. The charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could result in up to life imprisonment, as well as a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa M. Marangola said that between February 26 and March 12, 2025, Rodriguez engaged in explicit online conversations with someone he believed was an 11-year-old girl. The individual was actually a member of the community group “Predator Poachers.” Rodriguez also arranged to meet the supposed minor at the Fairport Public Library on March 12, 2025, with the intention of engaging in sexual activity. Upon arrival at the library, he was confronted by the community group member and left before law enforcement arrived.
On April 15, 2025, authorities responded to a residence in Perinton after Rodriguez attempted to meet another minor—this time a person he thought was a 13-year-old girl but who was actually affiliated with another community group called “Child Predator Hunter.” Law enforcement took Rodriguez into custody for this incident and arrested him for his earlier actions at the Fairport Library.
The investigation involved multiple agencies: the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office led by Sheriff Todd Baxter; the Fairport Police Department under Acting Police Chief Matt Weber; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Child Exploitation Task Force headed by Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
Sentencing is set for May 28, 2026 at 10 a.m., before Judge Vacca.
