'Shocking Breach Of The Public Trust': FBI Arrest NY State Police Sergeant In Child Sex Abuse Probe

CRAWFORD, NY — A long-serving New York State Police sergeant in Orange County is in federal custody after an investigation into disturbing child sex abuse allegations.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Superintendent of the New York State Police Steven G. James, have announced the unsealing of a complaint charging Steven Calderon with sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse material. Calderon was arrested Thursday morning, presented in White Plains federal court and detained.

Calderon, a sergeant with the New York State Police since 2022, was first arrested and charged in the Town of Crawford with assault in the second degree and third degree during a domestic violence investigation in October.

On Oct. 25, state police executed a search warrant at Calderon's Orange County home in connection with the assault investigation and recovered 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 his home, according to the charges. Investigators say a review of the videos revealed that, on July 25, Calderon surreptitiously recorded a 10-year-old girl undressing in a bathroom in order to capture sexually explicit images, according to investigators. He edited the recording to create a short clip of the victim in which she appears to be engaging in sexually explicit conduct, according to the allegations.

"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," McDonald said. "The defendant's alleged acts are a profound betrayal of the public trust and the oath he swore to uphold."

Calderon also secretly recorded a video of 9-year-old child undressing in a bathroom on Feb. 3, 2023, according to investigators.

"Steven Calderon's alleged actions constitute a shocking breach of the public trust placed in law enforcement," Barnacle, Jr said. "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 FBI said there may be other victims. Anyone with information to report is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or submit info online.

"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," James said. "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."