Child Therapist Pleads Guilty to Heinous Online Exploitation Crimes

 

Child Therapist Pleads Guilty to Heinous Online Exploitation Crimes

A licensed child therapist from Plainview, New York, has pleaded guilty to deeply disturbing criminal activities involving the online distribution of illegal and exploitative materials.

Renee Hoberman, 36, admitted in federal court on June 18 to sharing unlawful content through social media platforms, according to federal prosecutors. At the time of the offense, she was employed as a therapist working with minors under the age of 18 in Melville.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. described the crimes as "vile and unthinkable," emphasizing the need for justice and protection of society’s most vulnerable.

Authorities stated that Hoberman not only shared harmful media online but also participated in deceptive chat rooms, where she used multiple aliases and engaged in fabricated role-play scenarios involving fictitious characters and families.

Her activity triggered multiple reports to law enforcement from social media platforms, leading to an investigation. Authorities uncovered illegal files hidden in a folder on her phone. During questioning, she confessed to engaging in this activity over several months in 2024.

Federal agents confirmed that Hoberman admitted to a troubling interest in minors and acknowledged the gravity of her actions. She is currently facing up to 20 years in federal prison.

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Protecting Children & Online Safety

This case highlights the critical importance of monitoring online activity, ensuring platforms respond quickly to harmful behavior, and advocating for the safety of children. Anyone with information about suspected abuse or online exploitation is urged to contact local authorities or a child protection agency.