Child pornography discovered on sex offender’s phone reveals third victim, results in 19 more criminal charges
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — The 33-year-old registered sex offender recently accused of raping a girl in the woods off Bear Road in the Town of Clay is now charged with abusing a third victim to make recently-discovered child pornography.
‘I am aroused by young girls:’ Disturbing new details on accused Clay rapist
At the time of his arrest, police and prosecutors also accused Pontello of sexually assaulting a three-year-old earlier this year.
Onondaga County District Attorney said Pontello’s electronic devices and social media accounts would be investigated, and more charges could be filed.
On Thursday, June 19, that continuing investigation resulted in the discovery of a third victim, another three-year-old. The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office filed 19 additional charges against Pontello, accusing him of abusing the child in January to make pornography.
Court documents indicate the graphic materials were discovered on Pontello’s smart phone.
Police say both of Pontello’s three-year-old victims were known to him. He was a stranger to the five-year-old he’s accused of raping.
The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office lists Pontello under “high observation” at the Onondaga County Justice Center Jail. The status means he’s checked more often by deputies to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself.
Florence County deputies arrest pair in child sexual assault investigation
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WMBF) - Authorities have arrested two people after a child sex crime investigation in Florence County.
The Florence County Sheriff’s Office said 32-year-old Christian Welch of Kingstree and 35-year-old Leslie Kirby of Coward were arrested on Thursday.
Welch is charged with criminal sexual conduct and criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Kirby is charged with two counts of accessory before the fact of felony.
According to FCSO investigators, between the dates of Mar. 3 and Apr. 3 of 2024, Welch allegedly committed a sexual battery on a 10-year-old victim.
Between the dates of Nov. 17 and 20 of that same year, Welch is alleged to have committed a sexual battery on a 13-year-old victim.
Both incidents reportedly occurred at a home on Chester Road in Coward.
Deputies say Kirby, the mother of both victims, was reportedly aware of and encouraged Welch to commit the sexual assaults.
Both Welch and Kirby are being held at the Florence County Detention Center while awaiting a bond hearing.
Kirby is June's worst Mother of the Month on this blog.
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