Convicted sex offender faces new charges

MASSENA — A registered sex offender from California faces sexual abuse charges in two counties after reportedly molesting several young boys.

Patrick P. Romeo, 67, of 81 Fort Covington St., was charged earlier this week with first-degree sexual abuse and child endangerment for reportedly molesting a 7-year-old boy in mid-August at Massena Town Beach in the town of Louisville, state police Investigator J. Kevin Triller said.

He was arraigned in Louisville Town Court and sent to St. Lawrence County jail, Canton, on $10,000 cash or $20,000 bail bond. He made bail late Thursday.

The Fort Covington resident, who has area family ties, also was charged in late September for allegedly molesting three young boys — ages 7, 10 and 12 — in Franklin County. The 7-year-old boy is connected to the St. Lawrence County charges, investigators said.

Romeo was charged Sept. 29 with two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, one count of second-degree sexual abuse and three counts each of child endangerment and forcible touching.

He was arraigned in Fort Covington Town Court and sent to Franklin County jail, Malone, on $10,000 cash or $20,000 bail bond. He also made bail there.

Romeo is a registered sex offender in California, but reportedly didn't report his movement to California or New York authorities, investigators said. His New York state sex offender registry classification hasn't been determined yet by a Franklin County judge.

He could face charges in California for not reporting a change in address, investigators said.

Investigators don't know whether there could be more victims. Romeo reportedly placed a classified advertisement in an area newspaper offering to repair computers for free. Several children were seen around his home.

Anyone with information can call state police in Malone at 1 (518) 483-5000.