Bardunias

Bardunias

Peter Bardunias, a Capital Region Chamber of Commerce executive arrested earlier this month on federal charges of attempting to entice a minor into violent sex acts involving a “torture chamber,” will remain behind bars, at least for now, after waiving his right to a detention hearing.

Andrew Safranko, an attorney for Bardunias, notified U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Evangelista on Wednesday that his client would be waiving his right to both a detention hearing and preliminary hearing ahead of a scheduled court appearance Monday.

“At this time, we are waiving both the detention hearing and the preliminary hearing, reserving our rights to request that they be placed on the Court’s calendar at a later date and time,” Safranko’s notice reads.

Evangelista signed off on the motion Thursday.

Safranko, in an emailed statement, said Thursday that he is still reviewing all evidence and determining “the best way to proceed on behalf of Peter [Bardunias].”

“For the court to consider release on this type of case requires a significant and comprehensive plan to ensure that any defendant is not a risk of flight and a danger to the community,” he said. “While we are satisfied that Peter is neither, as shown by the entirety of his life and lack of any criminal history, we simply need more time to develop a reasonable plan for the judge to consider.”

Bardunias, 59, was arrested on Oct. 8 following a two-week investigation during which he allegedly communicated with an undercover federal agent posing as a girl Bardunias believed to be 15 years old.

He is currently being held at the Albany County jail.

In his communications, Bardunias suggested multiple violent sex acts, at one point saying he had been “looking for a girl like you who would want to meet up in real life n do naughty stuff,” according to a federal complaint.

The undercover officer began communicating with Bardunias after information “obtained by the FBI had indicated that the user had been communicating with other females, including suspected minors, about sexual activity, including involving violent conduct,” the complaint reads.

Bardunias agreed to meet across from a Warren County school where he believed the individual he was communicating with attended. Bardunias allegedly had on him a Reese’s candy bar he said he would bring to the meeting at the time of his arrest,” according to court documents.

A search warrant of his Clifton Park residence uncovered multiple sex-related items, including those consistent with a “torture chamber” Bardunias allegedly said he would make for the girl. The equipment, which included “among other things a ball gag, restraints and a knife,” was allegedly found in a “big tub” in his garage.

Bardunias has been a figure in the community for years.

He once led the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County and most recently served as senior vice president of community advancement for the........

© The Leader Herald