September 15, 2026
FROM STEUBEN COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY BROOKS BAKER: A bench trial in Steuben County Court ended with a verdict convicting 55 year-old Mihaly Bodnar, formerly of Hornell, of: 3 Counts of Predatory Sexual Assault of a Child, each a class AII felony; 2 Counts of Assault in the Second Degree, each a class D felony; 2 Counts of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child, Each a Class B felony; and 2 Counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, each a class A misdemeanor. Steuben County Judge Christopher M. Tunney rendered the verdict at approximately 3:00pm this afternoon after several days of trial – where it was proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Defendant sexually abused, and injured, two children under the age of 11 in the City of Hornell multiple times over a period running from August of 2024 through March of 2025.
Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker, who tried the case for the People, was pleased with the verdict: “These are always incredibly tough cases, here, a combination of solid police work, the efforts of the Steuben County Child Advocacy Center and incredible strength and courage of two child victims all came together to take a dangerous child predator off the street today.” The investigation was spearheaded by the Hornell Police Department, under Investigator Tom Aini who put the case together with assistance from Sgt. Danny Murray who played a key role in locating the Defendant as he fled the jurisdiction. Inv. Jeremy Hagadone of the District Attorney’s Office also assisted, and helped enlist Homeland Security in the eventual apprehension of Bodnar – who fled Hornell after the Victims came forward and was arrested at Newark International Airport in New Jersey with a one-way ticket to Hungary.
Defendant was remanded to the Steuben County Jail without bail after the verdict. He faces a sentence of up to 25years to life in prison when he appears for sentencing on November 5, 2026. Bodnar was represented by Attorney Susan Betzjitomer at trial. Baker, who said he will be advocating for that maximum sentence, stated: “I am very happy for the Victim’s today, they showed incredible strength in coming forward and courage in facing their abuser in the Courtroom. Because of them, this predator will not be in a place to hurt another child for the rest of his life – they really are heroes, and I hope this little bit of justice helps them begin to heal.”.
