A Nassau County Detective has been charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a child, following a four-month sting operation by federal law enforcement. Robert Sacco, 38, of Huntington, New York, was apprehended after engaging in communications with an undercover officer whom he believed to be the parent of a 10-year-old girl. Details provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York state that Sacco expressed his sexual interest in children and discussed arrangements to abuse the purported child.
According to the official complaint, the case against Sacco began unfolding in October 2025 when he started conversations with an undercover officer over an online application and encrypted messaging. The investigation led to a plan where Sacco would video chat to watch the undercover officer engage in sexual acts with the child for his own gratification. Though his plans were thwarted on January 23, when the fictional child did not participate, he suggested rescheduling the abusive act.
Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III denounced Sacco's actions as "a profound betrayal of public trust." In a statement obtained by the Justice Department's press release, Sarcone emphasized that "No badge, no position, and no title will shield a child predator from justice." FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli echoed these sentiments, labeling the allegations against Sacco as "absolutely vile" and assuring the public of the FBI's commitment to bringing such predators to justice through the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force.
Sacco's arraignment took place in Brooklyn, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Marcia Henry, and he remains in custody pending further proceedings. If convicted, Sacco faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and possibly up to 30 years, along with a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release of at least five years up to a life. These stern potential consequences highlight the government's rigorous stance against offenders who exploit the most vulnerable in society—the children.
The FBI, with the assistance of a the Colonie Police Department and the New York State Police, continues to investigate the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Vickey leads the prosecution. This case forms part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to fight the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. More information about this initiative is available on the Justice Department's Project Safe Childhood website for those who seek to learn more or require resources.
