Earlier today, Renee Hoberman, a licensed social worker from Long Island, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Joanna Seybert in Central Islip. Hoberman faces a potential prison sentence ranging from five to 20 years.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York; and Patrick Ryder, Commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department.
United States Attorney Nocella stated, "The defendant, a licensed social worker, admitted to distributing extremely vile and unthinkable videos depicting the horrific sexual abuse of babies. The videos the defendant distributed and sought for her own perverse pleasure showed the most innocent members of our society being restrained and violently raped." He emphasized that his office will continue to pursue predators who harm children.
Court documents revealed that Hoberman used encrypted messaging applications to distribute digital content depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. This included videos involving infants being abused. Additionally, she participated in online chats where she posed as a father engaging in abusive acts with children.
During this period, Hoberman worked as a therapist with an organization serving children up to age 17 in Melville, New York.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation. The project involves collaboration between federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
Individuals with information about sexual exploitation related to this case are encouraged to contact HSI's tip line or visit their website.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin McTague with support from Paralegal Specialist Janelle Robinson.
