A Nassau County detective, Robert Sacco, has been charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation led by federal authorities. The 38-year-old detective from Huntington, New York, was charged by complaint and appeared in court on January 23, 2026.
According to the allegations outlined in the complaint, Sacco communicated for approximately four months with an undercover law enforcement officer who posed as the father of a purported 10-year-old girl. The conversations took place over online applications and encrypted messaging platforms. During these exchanges, Sacco allegedly expressed sexual interest in children and discussed plans to meet the undercover officer and his purported daughter to engage in sexual abuse. He also reportedly sent explicit images involving the supposed child.
By January 2026, Sacco is accused of suggesting a video chat so he could watch the undercover officer sexually abuse the child for his gratification. On January 23, Sacco allegedly joined a video call intending to witness sexually explicit conduct involving the child. When told that the purported child would not participate, he asked if they should “postpone.”
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented: “The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of public trust. A sworn law enforcement officer is accused of using an online communications platform to pursue the sexual exploitation of a child and to facilitate horrific abuse for his own gratification. Let me be clear: anyone who preys on children—especially those entrusted to protect the public—will be aggressively investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No badge, no position, and no title will shield a child predator from justice.”
Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli stated: “The details of the allegations against Mr. Sacco are absolutely vile. As a member of law enforcement, Mr. Sacco allegedly broke the very laws he swore to uphold, and now he faces serious charges and significant time in federal prison. The FBI’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force will continue to use every resource available to swiftly identify, investigate, and bring to justice these dangerous predators looking to harm our most vulnerable.”
Sacco made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Marcia Henry in Brooklyn and remains detained pending transfer to the Northern District of New York for further proceedings.
If convicted, Sacco faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to 30 years in prison, fines up to $250,000, and supervised release ranging from five years up to life. Sentencing decisions are made by judges based on statutory guidelines.
Authorities emphasize that these are accusations at this stage; Sacco is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation with support from Colonie Police Department and New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Vickey is prosecuting.
This case falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices alongside other agencies—to address internet-based child exploitation crimes by identifying offenders and rescuing victims nationwide (https://www.justice.gov/psc).
