Renee Hoberman, a former Long Island child therapist, was sentenced Friday in federal court in Central Islip after pleading guilty to distributing images and videos that depicted the sexual abuse of infants and children. Federal prosecutors described the material as exceptionally violent and said the case was a shocking breach of trust by someone who worked with young patients. Hoberman has been detained since her arrest in October 2024.
“Today, Renee Hoberman was sentenced for distributing sordid images and videos depicting the horrific sexual abuse of the most innocent and vulnerable members of our society: infants and children,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.
— U.S. Attorney EDNY (@EDNYnews) February 20, 2026
U.S. attorney's statement
In a statement shared by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella said Hoberman had “distributed sordid images and videos depicting the horrific sexual abuse of infants and children.” United States Attorney EDNY added that his office will continue to pursue those who exploit children online.
Plea and charges
Hoberman pleaded guilty in June 2025 to receipt and distribution of child pornography, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Filings from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDNY state that she used encrypted messaging applications to upload, receive, and trade images and videos, including files that depicted infants as young as six months old. The plea was entered in Central Islip before U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert.
Evidence and sentencing push
Investigators found more than 100 photos and videos on devices tied to Hoberman and estimated she may have exchanged hundreds more, according to federal filings. Prosecutors had urged the court to impose a sentence of more than 12 years, while the defense asked for the five-year mandatory minimum, citing Hoberman’s history of trauma, addiction, and treatment while detained, ABC7 reported.
Where she worked
Hoberman worked part time for a practice in Melville and had previously provided youth counseling at South Oaks Hospital in Amityville. Her employer said she was immediately terminated after authorities moved against her. NBC New York reported that neighbors and local providers said they were stunned by the charges.
Legal context
Under federal law, Hoberman’s convictions carry a statutory range that includes a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDNY said the prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a Department of Justice initiative to combat the online sexual exploitation of children.
How to report
Officials urged anyone with information about the creation or distribution of child sexual abuse material to contact Homeland Security Investigations’ tip line at 1‑877‑4‑HSI‑TIP or to submit information through the agency’s online tip form. The ICE form is available on the agency’s website, and investigators said such tips can be crucial in identifying victims and producers of abuse material.
