OSWEGO -- A prominent Oswego businessman with connections to City Hall faces misdemeanor charges of sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

59-year-old Anthony Pauldine is accused of molesting a teenage boy who was staying at his home on October 18th. Pauldine was released on his own recognizance. When contacted at his house, Pauldine refused to comment on the advice of his attorney. "I'd love to be able to," he said, "but anything that comes out is going to look bad, there's nothing I can say."

Oswego City Court records include a deposition from Pauldine's alleged victim. He told police, "I walked into Mr. Pauldine's bedroom and he shut the door behind me. In the bedroom Mr. Pauldine has a massage table." "I was scared of what Mr. Pauldine would do." the teen said.

The statement describes a sexual encounter after which the alleged victim said, "I went to the bathroom because I needed to throw up." The teen ended his deposition, "I would like Mr. Pauldine to be criminally charged and feel he should get in trouble for what he did."

Pauldine is a well known contractor with connections to Oswego City Hall. He has obtained community development grants for some of his projects. The latest involves the renovation of several buildings behind the King Arthur restaurant and hotel which he also owns.

Now that he faces sex charges involving a minor, critics of City Hall, including Frank Barilla, want officials to take action. "They should pull the grants. I don't think they should give this man any more money."

Mayor Randy Bateman could not be reached for comment.