"ANOTHER COP GOES BAD"

"BADGE OF DISHONOR"

Poughkeepsie Journal

1987

Ex-City Policeman is Porn Defendant

WHITE PLAINS - A former City of Poughkeepsie Policeman was charged Wedensay with receiving pictures of a 9-year-old girl engaging in pornographic acts.

Authorities learned about the photographs after they were mailed to a Syracuse photo lab for developing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Smith said Francis Lusito, who served on the City Police Department for 20 years, allegedly sent 21 pictures of the girl, many of which included him in the sexually explicit poses.

Lusito, 50, of 25 Hammersley Ave. in the City of Poughkeepsie, sent the undeveloped photos the commercial film lab, Spectra Photo Co., of Syracuse, authorities said.

The photo company contacted postal authorities. They had the developed photos delivered, and then obtained a warrant to retrieve the photos from Lusito's home.

According to City of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Stewart Bowles, Lusito began his police career in Poughkeepsie in 1960 and retired in November 1980. Bowles said Lusito began as a patrolman, then became a desk lieutenant and retired after two years as a City Court Officer.

Bowles said he does not recall Lusito receiving any police commendations or disciplinary action. When Lusito retired, at the age of 43, he became an insurance salesman, Bowles said. Lusito could not be reached for comment.

Lusito, who authorities said works in a factory, was charged with receiving pornographic material involving children under the age of 18. He pleaded innocent before U.S. Magistrate Joel Tyner and was released on his own recognizance, despite the government's request that he be detained.

If convicted, Lusito faces up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 fines.

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