Landlord Solicited Sex With Tenants for Rent: Police

Police have arrested a landlord who is accused trying to intimidate tenants into performing sex acts rather than paying rent for properties he leased.

Richard Bruno, 46, of Waterford, was arrested on Thursday by the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit, who worked with the New London and Waterford police department.

New London Police started investigations allegations that Bruno was trying to extort sexual acts in lieu of cash for properties he had leased to tenants, police said. The allegations also included possible solicitation of sexual acts from children, police said.

As detectives investigated, Bruno solicited a person he thought was a 13-year-old girl online and arranged to pay her money and meet up with her in New London for sexual acts, police said.

When he arrived at the location they set as the meeting place on Thursday, police took him into custody and brought him to the New London Police Department, where he was charged with one count of criminal attempt at trafficking in persons, one count of second-degree criminal attempted sexual assault, two counts of risk and impairing the morals of a minor and two counts of enticement of a minor.

He was able to post a $150,000 bond and is due at New London Superior Court on May 19.

Police also searched Bruno’s home and said they seized evidence to support the allegations. The Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes Unit is investigating.

NBC Connecticut went to Bruno's home and knocked on the door, but no one answered. Bruno Plumbing is registered to the address and NBC Connecticut called the phone number listed for the company, but no one answered. It’s not clear if Bruno has an attorney.

Police continue to investigate and more charges are expected, according to police.

Anyone with information about this case should call State Police Detective Samantha McCord at 203-427-4062.

Contact Us