Nassau County detective faces federal charges after alleged attempt to sexually exploit a child through online communications

Albany, New York – A Nassau County detective is facing serious federal charges after authorities allege he attempted to sexually exploit a child through months of online communication, a case that investigators say represents a stark breach of public trust and professional responsibility.

According to federal officials, Robert Sacco, 38, of Huntington, New York, was charged by criminal complaint with attempted sexual exploitation of a child. The charge was announced in Albany by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Division. Sacco was employed as a detective with the Nassau County Police Department at the time of the alleged conduct.

The complaint outlines an investigation that began in October 2025, when Sacco allegedly started communicating with an individual he believed to be an adult parent. That person was, in fact, an undercover law enforcement officer. Authorities say the conversations took place over an online application and continued through encrypted messaging platforms for approximately four months.

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Federal prosecutors allege that during these communications, Sacco expressed a sexual interest in children and discussed plans to meet with the undercover officer and the officer’s purported 10-year-old daughter. Investigators say the conversations grew increasingly explicit over time, with Sacco allegedly describing and encouraging abusive conduct involving the child. According to the complaint, Sacco also engaged in sexually explicit behavior involving images he believed depicted the undercover officer’s young daughter.

By January 2026, authorities say the alleged conduct escalated further. Sacco reportedly suggested engaging in a live video interaction with the undercover officer and the purported child. Prosecutors allege that his intent was to observe sexually abusive acts for his own gratification and that he discussed specific conduct he expected the undercover officer to carry out.

The investigation reached a critical moment on January 23, 2026. On that date, Sacco allegedly logged into a video call on an encrypted application with the stated intent of watching sexually explicit conduct involving the purported child. According to the complaint, when the undercover officer indicated that the child would not appear, Sacco asked whether the encounter should be delayed, using the word “postpone.”

Federal officials emphasized the gravity of the allegations, particularly given Sacco’s role as a sworn law enforcement officer. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III addressed the case in a public statement, saying: “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.”

FBI officials echoed those remarks, highlighting the role of specialized task forces in combating crimes involving child exploitation. Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli described the allegations as deeply disturbing, stating: “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.”

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Sacco made an initial court appearance in Brooklyn, New York, where he appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Marcia Henry. Following that appearance, he was ordered detained. Federal authorities said he will be transferred to the Northern District of New York, where he is expected to appear in court at a later date.

The charge filed against Sacco carries severe penalties if he is convicted. Federal law mandates a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for the offense, with a maximum possible sentence of 30 years. The charge also allows for a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release lasting at least five years and potentially for life. Prosecutors noted that sentencing decisions are made by a judge and are based on the statute of conviction, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other legal factors.

Authorities stressed that the allegations contained in the complaint are accusations, not findings of guilt. Sacco is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation is being led by the FBI, with assistance from the Colonie Police Department and the New York State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Vickey.

Federal officials said the case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at addressing the growing problem of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and brings together federal, state, and local agencies to identify offenders, investigate crimes committed online, and protect victims.

Law enforcement leaders say Project Safe Childhood reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing crimes that increasingly take place through digital platforms, including encrypted applications that offenders may believe shield them from detection. Officials emphasized that investigations of this nature remain a top priority and that collaboration among agencies is essential to holding offenders accountable.

While the case against Sacco continues to move through the federal court system, authorities say it serves as a reminder that positions of authority do not place anyone above the law, particularly in cases involving the protection of children.