UPDATE: A Staten Island man has been arrested in a shocking undercover operation aimed at luring minors. Marc Donato, aged 53, faces serious charges after allegedly attempting to engage in sexual activities with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old girl.
The arrest took place on October 23, 2023, around 4 p.m., near 1 Richmond Terrace. Donato has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted luring of a child, attempted rape, and attempted sexual abuse, according to the NYPD.
Authorities report that the investigation revealed Donato had been in contact with an undercover officer posing as a minor, using the name “Bella.” Over a six-week period starting on September 10, their text exchanges included sexually explicit content, with Donato reportedly acknowledging the girl’s age. In one exchange, he expressed that the situation was “kinda exciting & forbidden,” showcasing the alarming nature of the interactions.
On the day of his arrest, Donato allegedly attempted to meet the undercover officer at the Staten Island Ferry terminal. When contacted by the officer, who claimed she was disembarking the ferry, Donato suggested he would “wait by H&M,” stating she was “about to make me do something illegal.”
Upon his arrest, Donato allegedly admitted 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.”
Prosecutors sought a bail set at $10,000 cash or $30,000 bond, but a judge denied the request, placing Donato under supervision instead. His attorney, Lou Gelormino, asserts that “Mr. Donato categorically denies these allegations” and is looking forward to a thorough investigation, expecting his client to be vindicated.
Donato is scheduled to appear in Criminal Court, St. George, on December 15. Meanwhile, the NYPD is urging any parents who suspect their children may have interacted with Donato to contact their Sex Crimes Hotline at 212-267-RAPE (7273).
Additionally, the NYPD encourages potential victims to come forward by calling 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/ and on X @NYPDTips. All calls are confidential.
This urgent case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to protect children from potential predators and emphasizes the importance of vigilance among parents and guardians. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
