Crime & Safety
Waterford Man Under Arrest Amid Allegations of Sexual Extortion
New London Police received info on alleged attempts by Richard Bruno to extort sexual acts from tenants and from children.
A 46-year-old Waterford man was arrested on Thursday, May 5, after an investigation by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, the New London Police Department and the Waterford Police Department.
Richard A. Bruno of 33 Shore Rd., Waterford, after an investigation into allegations of illegal conduct. According to the New London Police Department, police received information alleging that Bruno was attempting to extort sexual acts in lieu of cash for rental properties he had leased to tenants.
"The allegation included possible solicitation for sexual acts from children," police said.
The State Police Computer Crimes Unit and detectives from the New London Police Department began an investigation in response to this information.
"As a result, detectives utilized investigative techniques and determined that Richard A. Bruno solicited what he believed to be a thirteen-year-old female online, and arranged to meet the thirteen-year-old female for sexual acts in exchange for money in New London, CT," police said.
Bruno arrived at an undisclosed location in New London, reportedly to meet the 13-year-old girl, on May 5. He was immediately taken into custody by members of the above agencies and transported to the New London Police Department, where he was charged with:
- Criminal attempt at trafficking in person (one count)
- Criminal attempt at sexual assault in the second degree (one count)
- Risk and impairment of morals to a minor (two counts)
- Enticement of a minor (two counts)
Bruno was able to post a $150,000 bond for a court date of May 19 at New London Superior Court.
Search and Seizure Warrant
On May 5, a search and seizure warrant was obtained and executed for Bruno's residence.
"Further evidence to support the above charges was seized for analyzation by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit," according to New London Police. "This is an ongoing investigation with further charges anticipated."
Anyone with possible information is asked to contact State Police Detective Samantha McCord at 203-427-4062.
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