Nassau County police Detective Robert Sacco charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a 10-year-old
The detective has been charged by federal prosecutors. Credit: Jeff Bachner
A Nassau County police detective tried to coax an undercover federal agent, whom he thought was the father of a 10-year-old girl, into performing sex acts with the child while the officer watched via a remote video stream, according to a criminal complaint filed Saturday in Albany federal court.
Robert Sacco, 38, of Huntington, was arrested and detained in Brooklyn on Saturday, on a charge that he attempted to coerce a minor to engage in sexual conduct that would be broadcast. He will be held in the city until he can be transferred upstate for arraignment.
Beginning in October 2025, the undercover agent and Sacco struck up an online correspondence using an encrypted app in which they discussed nudism and their mutual sexual interest in children, authorities said.
Sacco discussed his sexual interest in the agent’s made-up 10-year-old daughter, according to a criminal complaint.
The Nassau County detective allegedly tried to buy children’s underwear to send to the undercover agent and discussed the child in graphic sexual detail, records show.
The detective tried to arrange a video call on Friday over which he intended to watch the man sexually abuse the child.
The agent told Sacco on that day the child would not come out of her room, so the detective asked if they would want to postpone it until a later date, the complaint states.
"The details of the allegations against Mr. Sacco are absolutely vile," FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig Tremaroli said in a news release. "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."
Sacco could face up to 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if he’s found guilty at trial.
It was unclear on Sunday who would be representing Sacco in court. Online court records didn't indicate if he had an attorney.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said Sacco had been suspended without pay.
"The allegations against Detective Sacco are shocking and disgusting," Blakeman said in a statement. "This in no way represents the professionalism and integrity of our outstanding Police Department. The detective has been suspended without pay and further measures will be taken to address this aberration."
The Nassau County Police Detectives' Association declined to say anything on behalf of Sacco.
Full coverage of the winter storm from NewsdayTV The NewsdayTV team was across Long Island monitoring the winter weather and what's next.
Full coverage of the winter storm from NewsdayTV The NewsdayTV team was across Long Island monitoring the winter weather and what's next.
