Long Island Child Therapist Sentenced to 7 Years for Sharing Baby Rape Porn

Renee 'Rina' Hoberman pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, including videos of infants being sexually abused.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 11:58pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 36-year-old female child therapist from Long Island, New York, was sentenced to 7 years in prison for sharing disturbing child pornography videos online, including footage of babies and toddlers being sexually abused. Prosecutors described Hoberman as a 'vile predator' who 'got off to the helpless screams of babies.' She pleaded guilty to distributing child porn on the social media app Kik in 2024 while working as a therapist with minors.

Why it matters

This case highlights the horrific reality of child sexual abuse and the critical need for stronger deterrents and accountability for those who exploit and traumatize innocent victims. As a licensed mental health professional, Hoberman's crimes represent a profound betrayal of public trust and the wellbeing of the vulnerable children she was entrusted to help.

The details

Hoberman pleaded guilty in June 2026 to distributing child pornography, including videos showing the sexual abuse of babies and toddlers. Prosecutors said more than 100 such images were found on her devices and accounts. One video showed a baby between 6 months and 1 year old being held down and raped by an adult man. Hoberman also participated in online chat rooms where she posed as the father of several children and claimed to have sexually abused them.

  • Hoberman pleaded guilty in June 2026.
  • Hoberman was sentenced on February 20, 2026.

The players

Renee 'Rina' Hoberman

A 36-year-old licensed social worker and child therapist from Plainview, Long Island who pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography, including videos of infants being sexually abused.

Kaitlin McTague

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case and described Hoberman as a 'vile predator' who 'got off to the helpless screams of babies.'

Judge Joanna Seybert

The federal judge who sentenced Hoberman to 7 years in prison, stating 'These are babies! Something needs to be done — and jail is a deterrent.'

Evan Sugar

Hoberman's defense attorney who asked the judge to sentence her to 2-3 years in prison, citing her own history of abuse and trauma.

Alfonso

The Homeland Security Investigations Acting Special Agent for New York who helped with the case and said Hoberman's 'staggering betrayal of the public trust' and 'horrific violation of innocent lives' deserved justice.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Her conduct is simply grotesque.”

— Kaitlin McTague, Assistant U.S. Attorney (nypost.com)

“These are babies! Something needs to be done — and jail is a deterrent.”

— Judge Joanna Seybert (nypost.com)

“What I've been through is no excuse for my actions.”

— Renee 'Rina' Hoberman (nypost.com)

What’s next

The judge's sentencing of Hoberman to 7 years in prison is expected to serve as a deterrent for others who may consider engaging in the exploitation and abuse of children.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for stronger accountability and harsher penalties for those who sexually abuse and exploit children, especially when the perpetrators are in positions of trust like mental health professionals. Protecting the most vulnerable members of society must be a top priority.