AMHERST, NY - On April 9, 2025, John C. Todaro, 49, of Amherst, New York, was arrested on charges of promoting and possessing a sexual performance by a child. The arrest sent shockwaves through the community—not only because of the nature of the charges, but because of Todaro’s prominent role as vice president of the Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), an organization founded to protect the very victims he now stands accused of exploiting.
B.A.C.A. is a global nonprofit founded in 1995 with the mission to empower abused children and help them feel safe. Members—typically leather-clad motorcyclists—are known for escorting children to court, standing guard outside their homes, and serving as a source of strength and solidarity in the wake of trauma. The idea is noble: a fierce show of loyalty and protection in a world that has often failed these kids.
But Todaro’s arrest marks yet another unsettling chapter in the organization’s history, raising troubling questions about how such individuals manage to slip through even the strictest of background checks.
While B.A.C.A. has long promoted its vetting procedures and commitment to safety, Todaro is not the first member to be arrested on child-related charges. In 2009, a Houston-based member was sentenced to 20 years for possessing child pornography. In 2018, a Texas couple—both members and foster parents—were charged with more than 20 counts of child abuse. And in 2019, an Oklahoma B.A.C.A. member was accused of committing lewd acts with a child under 16.
These are not trends, but they are red flags—especially for a group whose public image hinges on trust, transparency, and the well-being of vulnerable children.
Authorities are currently encouraging anyone with further information about Todaro to come forward, while the investigation continues. His next court appearance is scheduled for May.
In the meantime, B.A.C.A. chapters across the country are distancing themselves from the accused. But for those watching from the outside, this latest arrest serves as a stark reminder: even the most righteous causes are not immune to corruption. And when that corruption touches the lives of children, accountability must be swift and absolute.
