Waterford Landlord Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Production

Waterford’s Richard Bruno, 47, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for producing child porn, authorities announced.

Bruno’s May 2016 arrest followed the discovery of homemade videos showing him engaging in sex acts with nine females, including one who was under 18 at the time.

The investigation revealed Bruno met the minor victim in late 2015 and paid her in marijuana or cash for sexual encounters. He used the Kik app to communicate and arranged meetings at his warehouse in New London.

U.S. Attorney Deirdre M. Daly called Bruno’s actions ‘reprehensible’ and thanked law enforcement agencies for their efforts. The judge set sentencing for July 31, 2017, where Bruno faces a minimum of 15 years to a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Bruno also agreed to the forfeiture of his New London warehouse, residence, and company van. A separate civil case awarded $250,000 to the victim.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and New London Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy V. Gifford is prosecuting the case.