On July 1, 2024, Jeffrey Pettinato, age 62, pleaded guilty before Judge Edward M. Marsico, Jr. to trafficking in individuals (F1), criminal attempt to commit trafficking in individuals (F1), criminal solicitation to commit involuntary deviate sexual intercourse of a child under the age of 16 (F1), criminal solicitation to promote prostitution of a minor (F3), and criminal solicitation to promote prostitution of a minor (procuring inmate) (F3). Judge Marsico sentenced Pettinato to 15 to 30 years of imprisonment followed by three years of consecutive probation.

Factually, in October 2023, Pettinato communicated with an undercover online account which depicted itself as belonging to a 15-year-old female. Despite knowing the “child’s” age, Pettinato repeatedly offered the “child” $50 to $100 for oral intercourse and “hand jobs”, requested sex, discussed sexual topics, and requested nudes of the “child.” He also sent images of himself masturbating. Pettinato, who was on parole supervision for similar offenses, utilized a secret phone to conduct his communications. Pettinato will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

Detective Kevin Leiss of the Derry Township Police Department investigated the case, and the Dauphin County Human Trafficking Task Force prosecuted the case. Senior Deputy District Attorney was the lead prosecutor.

***Under Pennsylvania Law, engaging in a commercial sex act with a minor is human trafficking. Many adult victims of human trafficking were commercially exploited as children.***

If you or someone you know needs human trafficking services or assistance, please contact 717-780-7086 to speak to the Dauphin County Human Trafficking Advocate.

To report human trafficking, including commercial sexual exploitation of children, contact 911, your local police department, CHILDLINE, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Dauphin County reports will be referred to the Dauphin County Human Trafficking Task Force.