Oct 30, 2007 7:26 pm US/Eastern
Gay Sex Sting At N.Y. Rest Stop Yields 20 Arrests
BEDFORD, N.Y. (CBS) ―
Almost two dozen men were arrested as a result of a gay sex sting operation in an unsuspecting location off Interstate 684 in Bedford.
Police say the suspects in the operation were getting more than just rest at the highway rest area where the sting took place.
"It was all outside in a public area," said New York State Police Capt. Robert Myers.
The "it" was gay sex between men in a stretch of woods behind the Bedford rest stop.
State police were tipped off about a month ago when a father and son visiting the rest area saw two men in the woods engaged in sexual activity. That kicked off an undercover sting operation.
"Our undercover trooper was here about five minutes when he was first propositioned," Myers said.
Investigators say the men would pick each other up at the picnic tables and then head off into the woods.
Among the 20 suspects nabbed was Katonah Rotary Club president John Canzio.
"It's kind of surprising to hear that. I hope for his sake it's not a false accusation," said resident Valerie Smith. "There were people leading seemingly legitimate lives during the day and it's disturbing they'd be here at night propositioning our undercover officers."
Also caught was Father Gary Meade, who oversees Saint Gregory Barbarigo Rectory and Chapel.
"He's not a very good role model when it comes out like that. But he's human. We all are," said parishioner Cara Rogers.
Some motorists who droves through the stop told CBS 2 they weren't surprised that the rest stop seconded as a gay sex outlet. "I've seen it in a lot of other places," said Tom Dininio.
Added Ken Jewell, another motorist: "That's a lot of people. Usually those things are ones and twos."
Police will now keep a steady presence and see if better lighting and more fencing can be put up so that rest, a bathroom break, and maybe a snack are all that's available there.
Of the twenty men arrested, all were married except for the priest. They've been charged with crimes ranging from loitering and public lewdness to trespassing. All are scheduled to be in court on Thursday.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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