Feds say NY parole board member sought child sex

By MICHAEL VIRTANEN Associated Press Writer

Oct 14th, 2008 | ALBANY, N.Y. -- A state parole board member who served 20 years in the Legislature appeared in court Tuesday on a federal charge that he used the Internet to solicit sex with minors.

Chris Ortloff repeatedly e-mailed what he believed to be 11- and 12-year-old sisters and tried to arrange a meeting to have sex with them at a motel in suburban Albany, federal prosecutor Thomas Spina said. He had actually been in contact with investigators in a state police sting operation since June and was arrested at the motel Monday, Spina said.

According to a state police criminal complaint, Ortloff used a webcam to discuss the rendezvous and brought condoms, lubricants, vibrators and a camera to the motel where he was arrested.

"This was an undercover operation. There were no real minors," Spina said.

Ortloff, 61, wearing a yellow jail jumpsuit and handcuffs in court, heard the criminal complaint against him but didn't enter a plea.

He declined to comment as he left court. His lawyer, Andrew Safranco, said Ortloff presented no danger to the community and should be freed on bail.

Ortloff was returned to Albany County jail and scheduled to return to court Wednesday for a bail hearing. He could face 10 years to life in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

A Republican from Plattsburgh, Ortloff was a legislator from 1986 until 2006, when then-Gov. George Pataki appointed him to a six-year term on the parole board. The board's members, who decide whether state prisoners are released on parole, are paid $101,600 a year.

"The matter is presently under investigation," said Heather Groll, a spokeswoman for the state Division of Parole. "Effective immediately, Commissioner Ortloff has been temporarily relieved of his parole board duties. His status as a parole board member is currently under review," she said.

Groll said the board was also reviewing whether Ortloff will continue to be paid.

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-Well, at least he knows the drill --

BUT ELEVEN AND TWELVE YEAR OLDS???

Probably knows the deep affection most hard-time cons have for child molesters, too.