Long Island Therapist Sentenced for Disturbing Crimes

A Long Island therapist has received a seven-year prison sentence for her involvement in distributing child pornography. Renee “Lina” Hoberman, 36, was convicted for pretending to be a father who subjected his child to horrific abuse, sharing a video of the act online.

During a sentencing hearing in Central Islip, prosecutors labeled her as a “predator,” highlighting the disturbing nature of her actions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caitlin McTague described the situation as “grotesque.”

The court found over 100 images on Hoberman’s devices, with many depicting graphic sexual abuse of infants and children. Hoberman, who was a licensed social worker in Plainview, pleaded guilty in June after sharing videos on the social media app Kik, including footage of infants under one year old being raped.

This was particularly alarming given her position as a therapist for children under 17 in Melville. Surprisingly, when she first entered the courtroom, she appeared upbeat, smiling and waving to family. However, her demeanor shifted dramatically after the judge delivered the sentence.

In her defense, Hoberman’s attorney, Evan Sugar, mentioned her traumatic past, including experiences of abandonment and abuse, suggesting that this contributed to her current state. He noted that she had turned to drugs for coping but had been sober for 16 months.

He requested a lighter sentence, arguing for two to three years in prison, but Judge Joanna Seibert was not persuaded. “These are babies!” she exclaimed, underscoring the severity of the situation. She emphasized that prison serves as a necessary deterrent.

Hoberman also took the opportunity to express remorse in court, saying that her past does not justify her crimes. Meanwhile, prosecutors detailed one particularly revulsive video, depicting an adult male raping an infant, which they argued warranted a stiffer ten-year sentence.

Additionally, it was revealed that Hoberman participated in online chat rooms where she allegedly pretended to be a father engaging in abusive acts with children.

“The absolute despicability of the crimes…is an astonishing betrayal of the public’s trust,” a special agent from the Department of Homeland Security remarked. He hoped the imposed sentence would bring a measure of justice to the affected community and some healing to the victims.