ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A Clifton Park man facing federal charges of attempting to entice a minor to engage in prohibited sexual activity has resigned from his role with the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce. Chamber of Commerce officials said on Friday that Peter Bardunias, 59, resigned as the Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Community Advancement.
Bardunias faces a possible life sentence in prison if convicted of the charges he is facing. Prosecutors said Bardunias used two apps to talk to someone he thought was a 15-year-old girl, but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.
Prosecutors added that on October 6, Bardunias allegedly traveled to Warren County with candy for the 15-year-old that he’s accused of sending messages of wanting to subject the would-be minor to sadistic and violent sexual activity. Law enforcement officials who were waiting at the school said Bardunias allegedly drove two laps around the block and quickly started driving south before being taken into custody.
Bardunias was scheduled for a detention hearing on October 27, and his legal team filed paperwork on October 23, stating that he’s waiving his right to the hearing and is reserving his right to request a hearing at a later date. Additionally, Bardunias’ legal counsel waived the time frame for a preliminary hearing to request another as it becomes necessary.
Authorities said while Bardunias was in custody, he told police in an interview that he was at the school to tell the minor he couldn’t be in a relationship with them. He also said the messages he sent were “just sexual fantasy.”
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