Former Newton School Employee Arrested in Child Sex Sting

65-year-old Mark Nacht charged with attempted enticement of a minor

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:58pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a stark black background, creating a gritty, investigative aesthetic through the use of harsh, direct lighting.A law enforcement sting operation leads to the arrest of a former school administrator accused of seeking to sexually exploit a minor.Newton Today

A former Massachusetts school administrator, Mark Nacht, was arrested by the FBI last week as part of a child sex sting. Nacht, 65, of Waltham, was charged with attempted enticement of a minor after allegedly engaging in sexually explicit messages online with an undercover agent he believed was a 13-year-old girl, and then traveling to Albany, New York to meet the 'girl' for sexual activity.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and apprehend adults who seek to sexually exploit minors, as well as the critical role of sting operations in catching these predators. It also raises concerns about the potential for school employees to abuse positions of trust and access to children.

The details

According to prosecutors, between December 2025 and April 2026, Nacht communicated online with an undercover agent in Albany, New York, who he believed was allowing him to engage in sexual contact with a 13-year-old relative. Nacht also directly messaged the 'girl' to groom her for sexual activity. On Friday, Nacht traveled from Massachusetts to Albany with the intent to meet the teenager and was arrested shortly after arriving.

  • In December 2025, Nacht began engaging in sexually explicit messages online with an undercover agent.
  • Between December 2025 and April 2026, Nacht communicated with the undercover agent and a second agent posing as a 13-year-old girl.
  • On Friday, April 11, 2026, Nacht traveled from Massachusetts to Albany, New York to meet the 'girl' and was arrested by law enforcement.

The players

Mark Nacht

A 65-year-old former school administrator from Waltham, Massachusetts who was arrested and charged with attempted enticement of a minor.

John A. Sarcone III

First Assistant U.S. Attorney who stated that Nacht sought to 'prey on an innocent young girl' and that the arrest should send a 'clear message' about law enforcement's commitment to investigating and holding accountable 'dangerous predators'.

Craig L. Tremaroli

FBI Special Agent in Charge who said the arrest 'should send a clear message that the FBI is committed to aggressively investigating these dangerous predators and ensuring they are held accountable for their disturbing actions.'

Anna Nolin

Newton School Superintendent who stated that Nacht worked as a special education administrator for the district from 2017 to 2023, but had not been employed for over a year, and that law enforcement has not indicated any Newton Public Schools students were involved or harmed.

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What they’re saying

“As alleged, this defendant sought to prey on an innocent young girl and inflict terrible harm on her. Thanks to this incredible sting operation and others like it, parents can sleep more soundly tonight. Every day, we are working with our law enforcement partners to lock up pedophiles who would seek to exploit children in our communities.”

— John A. Sarcone III, First Assistant U.S. Attorney

“This arrest should send a clear message that the FBI is committed to aggressively investigating these dangerous predators and ensuring they are held accountable for their disturbing actions.”

— Craig L. Tremaroli, FBI Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

Nacht will appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on Tuesday for a detention hearing. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release of between 5 years and life. He would also be required to register as a sex offender.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of adults seeking to sexually exploit minors, even those in positions of trust like school administrators. It underscores the critical role of law enforcement sting operations in identifying and apprehending these predators before they can harm children, and the severe consequences they face if convicted.