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Pasco sheriff's volunteer accused of molesting toddler

 
Neil Richard Puntenney, 66, of Hudson was being held Thursday at the Land O'Lakes Detention Center in lieu of $15,000 bail, facing a charge of lewd and lascivious molestation. [Pasco County Sheriff's Office]
Neil Richard Puntenney, 66, of Hudson was being held Thursday at the Land O'Lakes Detention Center in lieu of $15,000 bail, facing a charge of lewd and lascivious molestation. [Pasco County Sheriff's Office]
Published Nov. 5, 2015

NEW PORT RICHEY — A Pasco County Sheriff's Office volunteer was arrested Wednesday, accused of molesting a 3-year-old girl, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Neil Richard Puntenney, 66, of Hudson was being held Thursday at the Land O'Lakes Detention Center in lieu of $15,000 bail, facing a charge of lewd and lascivious molestation.

Puntenney was a citizens service unit volunteer with the Sheriff's Office, meaning he dealt with traffic and parking issues, impounded abandoned vehicles and conducted minor investigations of crimes such as theft and criminal mischief, the Sheriff's Office said.

Sheriff's officials dismissed Puntenney, who had been volunteering since 2008, after learning of the charge.

"Whether a volunteer or a full-time member of our organization, everyone is going to be held accountable," said Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco. "This is one of the lowest crimes someone can commit, an offense against a child, and he will face justice for his actions."