Police in Virginia have seen to it that another sexual predator was put behind bars on Saturday, when they arrested a man after he arrived at a motel to have sex with a 5-year-old girl.
Present at the scene were Virgina state and local police, as well as federal agents. According to their report, Louis Ponterio, 54, had arranged to meet with a woman and her 5-year-old daughter in room 116 of the Econo Lodge in Henrico, Virginia. When he arrived, he was confronted by undercover agents.
“Members of the Henrico County Police Division’s Vice Unit received information that Ponterio had attempted to procure a minor for the purpose of a sexual relationship,” Henrico Police spokesman Lt. Chris Eley told reporters. “On February, 6th, 2015, Ponterio communicated with an individual who he believed was arranging an encounter with a minor. On February 7th, 2015, Ponterio was arrested in the 5200 block of Williamsburg Road after he traveled to Henrico County with intent to engage in sexual activity with a minor.”
According to local station WTVR 6, agents were able to also seize “marijuana, a teddy bear, cough syrup, Hershey’s kisses, a sex toy and other times from Ponterio”. Deputies in Stafford also raided the predator’s home finding weapons and what they claimed was “digital” evidence.
Ponterio was charged with carrying a concealed weapon, electronic means for procuring minors, object sexual penetration by force, the sale and distribution of marijuana, forcible intercourse with a victim under 13, and prostitution. Ponterio is being held in Henrico County Jail without bond.