A Baltimore County emergency services dispatcher and his fiancé each face a dozen rape and sexual assault charges after multiple children reported that the two sexually abused them at their Parkville home and elsewhere.

Francis L. Conda, 34, a dispatcher for the 911 call center, and his fiancé, Christopher Prunty, 31, are charged with several counts of second-degree rape, sexually abusing a minor and other sex offenses related to alleged incidents between June 23 and July 27.

Baltimore County police allege that Conda and Prunty sexually abused at least seven children between 6 and 15 years-old — and then seemingly sought to intimidate and abduct them after they reported the abuse.

Child Protective Services was notified of the alleged sexual abuse on July 27 during a separate investigation related to a parent whose three children frequently stayed with Conda and Prunty at Conda’s Wendell Avenue home, half a mile from Parkville Middle School, according to charging documents.

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Court records show that the following day, detectives and social workers transported two children – an unidentified 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old – from Conda’s home, where Prunty also lives, to the Child Advocacy Center in Drumcastle for forensic exams. Conda was not in the home.

Multiple children recounted several alleged incidents of rape and abuse and said several children, many who were in foster care with other adults, visited or lived at Conda’s home.

One child, the 14-year-old, told detectives and social workers Conda and Prunty had sexually abused them as well as their 10-year-old brother nightly, sometimes making the 14-year-old watch. Another child said Prunty solicited illicit photos of the minors, including a 9-year-old who allegedly lived with the men. And some children were made to accompany Prunty and Conda on car rides to pick up what seemed to be illicit substances, they said.

During Prunty’s bail hearing Thursday afternoon, District Court Judge Krysten Richardson said some of the most disturbing details came after social workers began forensically examining the children they believe Conda and Prunty abused, and seemed akin to witness intimidation.

Prunty called and texted the minors several times during their forensic examinations, court documents said. When Melanie Welty, a parent of two of the children and Prunty’s ex, brought them clothing to the advocacy center — in a military bag issued to Conda — notes professing “I miss you” and “I [heart] you” were found tucked into their underwear and shoes, according to charging documents. Their clothes reeked of Prunty’s cologne, detectives said.

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During a forensic interview with social workers on Aug. 28, surveillance footage shows Conda and Welty exiting a white Tesla the children said belongs to Conda in the advocacy center parking lot, according to charging documents. Footage reviewed by police showed two of the children running away from the vehicle.

On Sept. 1, court records indicate that Prunty was seen in a white Tesla “tailing” an adult who was taking two of the children to school. Two parents told police Prunty was making efforts to find and abduct the children.

Children said their parents were aware of the alleged abuse of the 10-year-old by Prunty. According to police reports, Prunty told detectives no one would believe his denial of the allegations “with his record;” and that “I would lie if I did do it anyway.”

Prunty has “multiple documented incidents” of sex offenses and other crimes, police say. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to one charge of sexually abusing a minor. He also pleaded guilty to armed robbery in 2013 with a 10-year suspended sentence and probation.

Most recently, Prunty was reported by school officials May 25 for trespassing at least 10 times at High Road School of Baltimore County, a private school in Middle River that teaches special education. School officials said he would pick up the 10- and 13-year-olds, who were students, after school.

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During one alleged incident at Welty’s home – which Conda owns – two children spoke at length with their parents and other adults about Prunty and Conda’s alleged sexual abuse; police reports say “Prunty was there and appeared to be panicking.”

Throughout his bail hearing, Prunty shook his head vigorously at most of the allegations – except for trespassing – and shifted his weight from side to side uncomfortably, raised his eyebrows, and rolled his eyes as Richardson read details about the Tesla and handwritten notes.

County salary records show Condo was hired in 2009 and earns roughly $68,000 as an emergency dispatcher.

According to court records, Prunty pleaded guilty to armed robbery in 2013 but received a 10-year suspended sentence with probation. Also, in 2007, he pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor and was given an eight-year suspended sentence.

Online records indicate that Prunty was, at one point, listed in the Maryland Sex Offender Database, but he is not currently listed. Online court records show no prior offenses by Conda.

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Conda’s bail hearing was postponed to Tuesday, according to court records. He and Prunty requested public defenders.

Baltimore County Police issued a news release about the charges late Friday evening after Prunty was denied bail Thursday in District Court. The release didn’t mention Conda’s employment with county government.

taylor.deville@thebaltimorebanner.com

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Taylor DeVille covered Baltimore County government for The Baltimore Banner with a focus on the County Executive, County Council, accountability and quality of life issues affecting suburban residents. Before joining The Banner, Taylor covered Baltimore County government and breaking news for The Baltimore Sun. 

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