Melville Child Therapist Sentenced To 7 Years In Federal Child Porn Case

Prosecutors say the Plainview resident traded over 100 images of child sexual abuse material while working in youth mental health.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A Plainview-based licensed social worker named Renee Hoberman, who worked as a mental health counselor for children, was sentenced to 84 months, or seven years, in federal prison after pleading guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography. Federal investigators found that Hoberman used encrypted messaging platforms to join groups focused on child sexual abuse, receive and send images and videos depicting the exploitation of infants and children, and even claim to have sexually abused her own children.

Why it matters

This case highlights the disturbing reality that those entrusted to care for and counsel vulnerable children can sometimes abuse that position of trust. It raises concerns about the vetting and monitoring of mental health professionals who work with minors, as well as the need for stronger measures to combat the online distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The details

Hoberman, 38, was arrested in October 2024 after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTipline reports about accounts that had uploaded suspected child sexual abuse material. Federal investigators with Homeland Security Investigations later identified accounts connected to Hoberman and executed a search warrant at her Plainview residence, seizing multiple electronic devices. During an interview, Hoberman admitted to using encrypted messaging apps to receive and distribute child pornography, as well as posing as the father of minor children and claiming to have sexually abused them.

  • In 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received CyberTipline reports about accounts that had uploaded suspected child sexual abuse material.
  • On October 23, 2024, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Hoberman's Plainview residence and seized multiple electronic devices.
  • On June 18, 2025, Hoberman pleaded guilty to receipt and distribution of child pornography.
  • On February 20, 2026, Hoberman was sentenced to 84 months, or seven years, in federal prison.

The players

Renee Hoberman

A 38-year-old Plainview-based licensed social worker who worked as a mental health counselor for children and pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr.

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York who announced Hoberman's sentencing.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso

The Homeland Security Investigations New York official who announced Hoberman's sentencing.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder

The Nassau County Police Commissioner who announced Hoberman's sentencing.

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What they’re saying

“The absolute depravity of Renee Hoberman's crimes, committed while she was entrusted as a mental health counselor for children, represents a staggering betrayal of the public trust and a horrific violation of innocent lives.”

— Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations New York (Patch.com)

“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. The defendant's access to children has come to an end. Our Office will relentlessly pursue child predators and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Nocella, U.S. Attorney (Patch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Renee Hoberman out on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for rigorous background checks, ongoing monitoring, and strict protocols to prevent individuals with a history of child exploitation from gaining access to vulnerable youth through positions of trust in mental health and social services.