ALBANY – A state Parole Board commissioner was charged yesterday with trying to lure two preteen sisters to an Albany-area hotel room for sex.
Former Assemblyman Chris Ortloff, 61, was ensnared in a child-sex sting Monday while waiting for what he thought were two sisters, ages 11 and 12, who were going to be delivered to him by a parent, said the US Attorney’s Office.
Ortloff had set up the illicit rendezvous via Web cam after months of online conversations with investigators posing as his would-be victims, according to a complaint filed in federal court.
The Plattsburgh Republican had brought packets of condoms, lubricant and a sex toy for the occasion, the complaint said.
Ortloff, who is married with two sons, was charged with soliciting sex from a minor over the Internet, a crime that carries a sentence of 10 years to life and a fine of up to $250,000.
Assistant US Attorney Thomas Spina Jr. told Magistrate Judge Randolph Treece that the office could seek more charges after searches of Ortloff’s car, home and offices.
Treece sent Ortloff back to jail pending a bail hearing tomorrow.
“Effective immediately, Commissioner Ortloff has been temporarily relieved of his Parole Board duties,” said Parole spokeswoman Heather Groll.
Ortloff’s attorney, Andrew Safranko, said he would discuss whether authorities had entrapped his client once he had a chance to review the case.
“I don’t believe that his intention was to meet girls that were underage,” Safranko said.