Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Attempted Abductions of High School Girls

Antonio Dossantos pleaded guilty to charges related to three separate incidents near Central High School.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Antonio Dossantos, a 39-year-old Bridgeport man, was sentenced to 7 years in prison for attempting to kidnap teenage girls near Central High School in three separate incidents in 2023 and 2021. Dossantos pleaded guilty to charges of second-degree kidnapping, attempted second-degree kidnapping, risk of injury to a minor, and first-degree unlawful restraint.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing threat of child predators targeting students near schools, raising concerns about student safety and the need for increased security measures around educational institutions. Dossantos' crimes also underscore the importance of victims coming forward to report such incidents, even after an initial arrest, in order to ensure repeat offenders face justice.

The details

According to police, Dossantos, a self-employed painter, tried to lure two female students into his car outside Central High School in separate incidents in April 2023. Following the publicity surrounding his initial arrest, a third victim came forward reporting a similar attempt in 2021, for which Dossantos was also charged a month later. Dossantos pleaded guilty on the eve of trial and was sentenced to 17 years in prison, suspended after he serves 7 years and 1 day, followed by 5 years of probation.

  • In April 2023, Dossantos allegedly tried to lure two female students into his car outside Central High School.
  • In 2021, Dossantos allegedly attempted to kidnap a third victim, who came forward after his initial arrest.
  • On January 8, 2026, Dossantos pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • On March 5, 2026, Dossantos was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

The players

Antonio Dossantos

A 39-year-old Bridgeport man who pleaded guilty to charges related to attempting to kidnap teenage girls near Central High School.

Bridgeport Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incidents and arrested Dossantos.

Judge Shari A. Murphy

The judge who sentenced Dossantos to 7 years in prison.

Edward Lee Miller

The senior assistant state's attorney who prosecuted the case.

Isaias Pedraza

The assistant public defender who represented Dossantos.

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What they’re saying

“It seems they'd like to put these matters behind them and get on with their lives.”

— Edward Lee Miller, Senior Assistant State's Attorney (ctpost.com)

“It's an agreed-upon disposition and I'd ask the court to impose it.”

— Isaias Pedraza, Assistant Public Defender (ctpost.com)

What’s next

The judge signed criminal protective orders barring Dossantos from having any contact with the victims for the next 60 years.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of child predators targeting students near schools, underscoring the need for increased security measures and the importance of victims coming forward to report such incidents, even after an initial arrest, to ensure repeat offenders face justice.