HARRISBURG, PA — A Butler County man who worked as a teacher at a public special needs school has been charged with multiple felony offenses, including attempted rape, following an undercover investigation by state and federal authorities, according to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
Authorities identified the defendant as Justin L. Pavetto, 37, who was employed at New Horizon School at the time of his arrest over the weekend. Investigators said the allegations are not related to his employment at the school.
According to investigators from the Attorney General’s Child Predator Section and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pavetto allegedly communicated online with a person he believed was the father of an 11-year-old boy.
Authorities said the “father” was actually an undercover agent.
During multiple online conversations, investigators alleged Pavetto discussed sexually assaulting the child and later arranged to meet the purported father and child at a McDonald’s restaurant.
According to authorities, Pavetto drove to the agreed-upon meeting location, where he was taken into custody.
Investigators said Pavetto was arraigned on nine felony charges, including unlawful contact with a minor, criminal attempt to commit rape, criminal solicitation to commit rape, and related offenses.
Court records show bail was set at $500,000.
Attorney General Dave Sunday described the allegations as deeply troubling and credited investigators and federal partners for removing the defendant from the community.
The Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section will prosecute the case.
Authorities asked anyone with additional information relevant to the investigation to contact Special Agent Steven Adametz at 800-385-1044.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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