Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Arrests Ryan Pontello for Sexual Assault of a Child

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, at approximately 7:00 PM, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a sexual assault at an apartment complex playground off Bear Road in the Town of Clay.

According to the investigation, Ryan Pontello, age 33, of Plantation Boulevard in Clay, lured a 5-year-old female victim away from the playground using candy and led her to a secluded wooded area. Once isolated, he sexually assaulted the child. The victim was able to escape and immediately informed her friends, who in turn told their parents. The residents quickly contacted 911.

Thanks to the vigilance of community members, witnesses were able to provide deputies with a detailed description of both the suspect and his vehicle. The child was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Sheriff’s Detectives launched an immediate investigation. By early afternoon on June 9, investigators had identified and located the suspect, Ryan Pontello. He was taken into custody, transported to the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, interviewed, and subsequently charged.

Charges Filed Against Ryan Pontello:
• PL 130.35(3A) – Rape in the First Degree (Forcible Compulsion)
Class B Felony
• PL 120.70(1) – Luring a child to commit a felony
Class E Felony
• PL 130.65(3) – Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (Forcible Compulsion)
Class D Felony
• PL 260.10(1) – Acting in a Manner Injurious to a Child Under 17
Class A Misdemeanor
* Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation progresses.

Public Assistance Requested:
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may recognize Ryan Pontello or has information regarding other potential victims to contact the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 435-3081.

Statement from Sheriff Tobias Shelley:
“This is a sickening and appalling act committed against an innocent child. Thanks to the bravery of the victim, the quickresponse of the community, and the outstanding work of our detectives, the suspect was swiftly identified and arrested.Let this serve as a clear warning: anyone who harms a child in Onondaga County will be found and brought to justice. We will not rest, and we will not tolerate predators in our communities.” — Sheriff Tobias Shelley