NEW HAVEN — A Meriden man pled guilty Monday in New Haven Superior Court to 16 sexual offense charges. The charges ranged from possession of child pornography, promoting prostitution in the first degree, enticing a minor and sexual exploitation, relating to three juvenile victims, according to a press release from the state’s attorney’s office. 

Anthony Lazzari, 48, entered a plea deal in connection with three victims’ cases — facing up to 20 years incarceration with a suspended execution after eight years served. Following release, he’ll be given 10 years of sex offender probation, along with having to register as a sex offender.

According to the state’s attorney, Lazzari would provide cash, marijuana and alcohol to two of the victims — who were teenagers — in exchange for sexual acts. He also used photographs of the victims on social media to advertise an escort service to find customers to engage in sexual acts with the minors for money. Authorities also uncovered sexually explicit photographs of the third victim, a minor under 12 years old.

He is currently being held on $250,000 bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 6.

The Meriden police department has been investigating Lazzari since 2020 after looking into a human trafficking complaint against him. New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle Jr. expressed his gratitude for the work done by the Meriden police department in its investigation, along with the other law enforcement organizations involved. 

cmetzger@record-journal.com