Former Vt. trooper accused of luring child for sex

ALBANY, N.Y. (WCAX) - A former Vermont state trooper is facing federal charges, accused of trying to lure an underage girl for sex.

According to court documents, Thomas Cesiro, 66, of Rutland, thought he was talking to a 12-year-old girl and her 39-year-old mother in New York, but it was an undercover agent posing as both in a sting operation.

Investigators say Cesiro attempted to persuade the young girl to have sex with him and planned to meet her in a parking lot in Bennington this past October. When he arrived, he was arrested.

Federal authorities say Cesiro was a trooper with the Vermont State Police from 1980-1985. They say he now works from home as a sales marketing manager.

Cesiro is now on home confinement. If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in prison.