Lake Elsinore Photographer Accused Of Child Molestation Tries Cutting His Wrists

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A Lake Elsinore photographer who attempted to cut his own wrists after his wife accused him of child molestation is behind bars for allegedly committing the crime.

Perry Anthony Pellegrini, 50, was arrested and booked into Southwest Detention Center today at 4:30 p.m. for child molestation, continuous abuse of a minor and possession of child pornography, according to a report from Sgt. Patrick J. Chavez of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station.

The investigation into Pellegrini began the evening of Nov. 29 when deputies were called to a residence in the 16400 block of Joy Street. Police arrived around 6:30 p.m. and found Pellegrini, who had attempted to cut his wrists after being accused of child molestation by his wife, the sergeant reported.

Pellegrini was transported to a local mental health facility for treatment and investigators subsequently served a search warrant at the residence. During their search, investigators found “numerous digital photographs depicting minors in several states of undress,” Sgt. Chavez reported.

Pellegrini was arrested after he was medically released from the local hospital.

According to the sergeant’s report, Pellegrini is an “amateur photographer” with a studio in Huntington Beach. He is also the owner/operator of Lake Elsinore-based PSP Photography.

On a website called Modelgraphy.com, photos depicting young females allegedly taken by Pellegrini are posted.

The Lake Elsinore Police Department is urging anyone who may have been victimized by Pellegrini to come forward by contacting Investigator Deanne or Investigator Pelato at (951) 245-3300 or after hours and on weekends at (951) 776-1099.