U.S. Attorney Charges New York State Police Sergeant With Sexually Exploiting Two Minors And Possessing Child Pornography

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Superintendent of the New York State Police, Steven G. James, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging STEVEN CALDERON with sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse material. CALDERON was arrested this morning and presented this afternoon before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court and detained.

"Steven Calderon's alleged crimes are all the more disturbing knowing he committed these alleged acts while serving as a law enforcement officer-a position entrusted with protecting the public including its most vulnerable members," said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. "The defendant's alleged acts are a profound betrayal of the public trust and the oath he swore to uphold."

"Steven Calderon's alleged actions constitute a shocking breach of the public trust placed in law enforcement," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. "The FBI is committed to utilizing every available resource and tool to relentlessly pursue anyone who exploits a child. This case should serve as a warning: no badge, title, or position will shield those who prey upon children and justice will find you."

"The allegations against Sergeant Calderon are deeply disturbing and stand in direct opposition to the oath every member of the New York State Police takes to protect and serve," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. "Our responsibility to protect children and investigate allegations of abuse does not change when the accused wears our uniform. We remain committed to supporting the victims and working with the FBI, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and our local partners to ensure a thorough investigation. The public deserves accountability, regardless of rank or position."

As alleged in the Complaint:(1)

CALDERON has been a Sergeant with the New York State Police since in or about 2022. On or about October 25, 2026, he was arrested and charged in the Town of Crawford with assault in the second degree and third degree.

On or about October 25, 2026, New York State Police executed a search warrant at the Orange County residence of CALDERON, in connection with the assault investigation and recovered various electronic surveillance equipment and storage devices.

The devices were found to contain thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of children, including prepubescent children, as well as numerous videos that appear to have been taken surreptitiously by CALDERON in a bathroom in CALDERON's residence. The review of these videos revealed that, on or about July 25, 2026, CALDERON surreptitiously recorded a 10-year-old child ("Victim-1") undressing in a bathroom in order to capture sexually explicit images of Victim-1 and then edited the recording to create a short clip of Victim-1 in which she appears to be engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further, on or about February 3, 2023, CALDERON surreptitiously video recorded a 9-year-old child ("Victim-2") undressing in a bathroom in order to capture sexually explicit images of Victim-2 and created a sexually explicit screenshot of Victim-2 from the recording.

There may be other victims. If you have information to report, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.

A photo of CALDERON is below.

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CALDERON, 43, of the Town of Crawford, New York, is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, which each carry a maximum term of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison. He is also charged with one count of possessing child pornography, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. McDonald praised the efforts of the FBI, the Town of Crawford Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney's Office, and the New York State Police in connection with this investigation.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office's White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samantha Briggs and Marcia S. Cohen are in charge of the prosecution.

1. ^

   As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.