Woman Confronts Registered Sex Offender On Video: Report

NEW LONDON, CT — A woman's cell phone video of a registered sex offender allegedly offering her a ride in his vehicle has been viewed more than 70,000 times on Facebook as of Friday afternoon.

In an exclusive story Thursday, News 8 reported the woman who took the video angrily confronted the man, John Dinoto, 74, on Wednesday after he appeared to ask her if she needed a ride on Blackhall Street.

According to News 8, Dinoto served almost 20 years of a 45-year sentence as the result of a case from the 1990's, in which he was charged with multiple counts of child sexual assault, and was released in 2009.

When asked by Fox 61 if Dinoto could face any charges as a result of the incident, New London police said they did not have probable cause to arrest him for asking someone if they needed a ride. Police also said they spoke to Dinoto about his actions and advised anyone who is approached by him to immediately run away.

A family member of Dinoto spoke to both News 8 and Fox 61, and said he was angered by Dinoto's alleged actions.

According to the State of Connecticut Sex Offender Registry, Dinoto was convicted in 1991 on multiple charges of sexual assault and sexual assault of a minor. He was released in 2009.

He also goes by a number of aliases, including John Abbott, according to the registry.

Read the full News 8 story here, and the full Fox 61 story here.

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