Accused foot-toucher lived in Henrietta motel, psychologist talks about case

Posted at: 07/18/2012 11:07 PM | Updated at: 07/18/2012 11:39 PM
By: Lynette Adams | WHEC.com

News10NBC learned Wednesday Anthony Perri had lived in a Henrietta motel for three months. But he had a quiet existence there. In fact, some of the people who still live there didn't recognize Perri as the man who claimed Tuesday he had been set up and who is now accused of sexually abusing two girls.

“I totally didn't believe it at first.”

Wayne is a clerk at the Carpet Inn in Henrietta.  It's where Anthony Perri lived until he moved out July 5. Wayne, who didn't want to appear on camera, tells News10NBC Perri was quiet and kept to himself.

He says he was gone during the day and would return at night but Wayne didn't think Perri worked. At times he says Perri seemed paranoid that someone was after him. Still, Wayne thought the charges seemed out of character for Perri.

“I will say we never had any behavior issues at the time he was here. He was always well mannered. He did leave here on his own. He was not asked to leave.>

Perri, seen leaving Penfield Town Court Tuesday, is facing two counts of sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

Police say he approached two young girls in the Penfield Library, fondled their feet and put their feet to his nose and mouth. He claimed Tuesday it's all a set up.

"Listen I'm being set up by the President Barack Obama. The city and Federal Government."

Perri has a history of criminal behavior he's served prison time for assault, robbery and attempted murder. Wednesday, Rochester Psychologist Santo Bentivegna explained why a person would fondle the feet of children he or she doesn't know.

“I think what you're dealing with is what's called a fetish or part of a paraphernalia.”

Bentivegna says this is an issue of sexual gratification -- and a person engaging in this behavior could be dangerous.

“Some of the characteristics and profile of this individual is he's a potential serial offender especially if police can make the linkage between one case to another case.”

Bentivegna says there is another concern.

“Also interesting there seems there's a focus on children -- which would essentially suggest the possibility, this is a person with difficulty in intimate relationships with adults, therefore, they need power and control. That's the real issue.”

Bentivegna says this may be a great opportunity for parents to teach their children it is okay to react immediately if they are approached by an adult and they feel uncomfortable. He says it is okay for the child to say no and run to their parent or another adult for help, for example, another mom with children.

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