Nassau County Detective Charged with Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child

Robert Sacco, a 38-year-old detective with the Nassau County Police Department, was arrested and charged on January 24, 2026, with attempted sexual exploitation of a child. The charges stem from an undercover investigation conducted by the FBI's Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force, which began in October 2025. Over a four-month period, Sacco communicated with an undercover officer posing as a father of a fictitious 10-year-old girl, expressing a sexual interest in children and discussing plans to engage in sexual acts with the purported child.

NY Detective Arrested by FBI for Attempted Child ExploitationNassau County detective charged with attempting to sexually exploit a childFeds: Nassau police Det. Robert Sacco, charged with attempted sexual exploitation of child, is a 'danger' to community

According to the complaint, Sacco's communications included explicit discussions about meeting the undercover officer and his supposed daughter for sexual exploitation. He reportedly suggested video chatting to witness the abuse and even ejaculated on images of the undercover officer's fictitious daughter. On January 23, 2026, Sacco logged into a video call intending to watch the undercover officer engage in sexually explicit conduct with the child. When informed that the child would not come out of her room, Sacco inquired about postponing the meeting.

Nassau County detective charged with attempting to sexually exploit a childNY Detective Arrested by FBI for Attempted Child ExploitationFeds: Nassau police Det. Robert Sacco, charged with attempted sexual exploitation of child, is a 'danger' to community

Sacco appeared in federal court in Brooklyn, where prosecutors argued that he posed a danger to the community and should be detained until trial. The charge against him carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, with a maximum of 30 years in prison, and a potential fine of up to $250,000. The FBI, along with the Colonie Police Department and New York State Police, is actively investigating the case. Sacco is currently detained pending transfer to the Northern District of New York for further proceedings.

NY Detective Arrested by FBI for Attempted Child Exploitation

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating, “A sworn law enforcement officer is accused of using an online communications platform to pursue the sexual exploitation of a child... No badge, no position, and no title will shield a child predator from justice.” Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli described the allegations as "absolutely vile," highlighting the breach of trust involved in Sacco's actions.

NY Detective Arrested by FBI for Attempted Child Exploitation

Sacco's defense attorney, Elizabeth Macedonio, has not publicly commented on the case. However, federal prosecutors have characterized Sacco as a flight risk due to his law enforcement background, which they argue gives him an advantage in evading capture.

Feds: Nassau police Det. Robert Sacco, charged with attempted sexual exploitation of child, is a 'danger' to community

The case is set to proceed with Sacco's next court appearance scheduled for February 6, 2026. The FBI's Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force continues to investigate the case, reinforcing its commitment to combating child exploitation.

NY Detective Arrested by FBI for Attempted Child Exploitation

• “The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of public trust,” — John A. Sarcone III, Acting United States Attorney

Nassau County detective charged with attempting to sexually exploit a child