[naviga:img class="img-responsive" src="/Assets/news2015/0506DayBruno.JPG" alt="Richard A. Bruno"/]

Richard A. Bruno

Waterford — Members of multiple police agencies on Thursday arrested a local man they said arranged to meet what he believed was a 13-year-old girl to perform sexual acts in exchange for money in New London, according to police.

Richard A. Bruno, 46, of 33 Shore Road was charged by New London police with criminal attempt to commit trafficking in persons, criminal attempt to commit second-degree sexual assault, two counts of risking and impairing the morals of a minor and two counts of enticement of a minor.

In a joint news release, police said the investigation began when New London police learned Bruno allegedly was attempting to extort sexual acts in lieu of cash for rental properties he had leased to tenants.

He allegedly was soliciting sexual acts from children, too, police said.

With the help of the state police Computer Crimes Unit, New London detectives were able to use investigative techniques to determine Bruno recently had solicited what he believed to be a 13-year-old online.

Police said they arrested Bruno when he showed up at the arranged location in New London on Thursday. Police said they also carried out a search and seizure warrant at Bruno's residence and submitted evidence to the Computer Crimes Unit for testing.

Bruno, who was able to post a $150,000 bond, is due May 19 in New London Superior Court.

According to police, the investigation is ongoing and further charges are anticipated.

Police are asking anyone with information to call state police Det. Samantha McCord at (203) 427-4062.