BREAKING: A Staten Island man has been arrested for attempting to lure a person he believed to be a 15-year-old girl for sexual purposes, according to the NYPD. Marc Donato, 53, was taken into custody on October 23, 2023, at approximately 4 p.m. near 1 Richmond Terrace.
Police report that Donato faces multiple charges including attempted luring of a child, attempted rape, and attempted sexual abuse. This urgent case has raised significant concerns among local parents, prompting authorities to call for any individuals who may have had contact with Donato to reach out to the NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline at 212-267-RAPE (7273).
According to investigators, Donato had been communicating with an undercover officer posing as a minor named “Bella” over a six-week period beginning on September 10. The exchanges reportedly contained sexually explicit messages, with Donato allegedly acknowledging the girl’s purported age. In one disturbing exchange, he stated it was “kinda exciting & forbidden to be honest” when the officer mentioned her age.
On the day of his arrest, police allege that Donato arranged to meet the supposed minor at the Staten Island Ferry terminal in St. George. When the undercover officer indicated she would be arriving shortly, Donato allegedly responded he would “wait by H&M” and that she was “about to make me do something illegal.”
Upon his arrest, Donato reportedly claimed to officers, “I’m talking to a bunch of girls online, this is a fantasy of mine to have sex with a stepdaughter… if she was 15 and got to my car I might have let her in.”
Bail was requested at $10,000 cash/$30,000 bond, but the presiding judge denied the request, releasing Donato under supervision. His attorney, Lou Gelormino, stated, “Mr. Donato categorically denies these allegations,” expressing confidence that a thorough investigation will clear his name.
Donato’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 15 at the Criminal Court in St. George. The NYPD is urging potential victims or anyone with information to contact the Sexual Assault Hotline at 646-610-7272 or Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish speakers can reach out at 888-57-PISTA (74782), or submit tips online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/.
This alarming situation underscores the ongoing vigilance required to protect children from potential online predators as authorities continue to investigate this case.
