By Laurie Cipriano
l.cipriano@krdo.com
CANON CITY – A former campus cop at UCCS was convicted Thursday in a sordid internet sex case. Todd Vecellio has been found guilty on all four charges: 1) Felony conspiracy to commit sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, 2) solicitation to commit sexual assault on a child, 3) attempted sexual assault on a child and 4) attempted enticement of a child.
“The top count was a class three felony,” said Thom LeDoux, District Attorney for the 11th Judicial District. “The possible penalty in that case is an indeterminate sentence in the department of corrections, anywhere from four years to the remainder of the defendant’s life.”
Vecellio’s mother was standing behind her son when Judge David Thorson read the verdict. Vecellio was convicted after an undercover “internet crimes against children” investigation.
“It’s a standard investigation that the Canon City police department has done here for quite some time using detective Michaele Sage, who does outstanding work for the police department,” said LeDoux. “The typical investigation involves being on the internet and looking for individuals who are trying to make arrangements to come and have sexual interactions with young children.”
Vecellio was accused of trying to meet a mother and her 13-year old daughter for a sexual liaison.
Ted McClintock, Vecellio’s attorney, declined comment. Vecellio is out on $50,000 bond and his sentencing will take place on January 14, 2010.
