Zachary Long, a 27-year-old resident of Scotia, New York, faces at least a decade in federal prison after pleading guilty on October 19, 2026, to attempted online coercion and enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography. Long entered the plea before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino in Albany, admitting to a plot to engage in sexual activity with a child he believed was 10 years old.
The guilty plea concludes a legal process stemming from a 2023 investigation involving federal, state, and local law enforcement. Long now faces a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years, with the possibility of life imprisonment, according to announcements made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative designed to combat the exploitation and abuse of children. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the New York State Police, and the Colonie Police Department.
Long admitted to arranging sex acts with a child
During the court proceedings, Long admitted that between August 22 and September 27, 2023, he engaged in a series of text message exchanges. He believed he was communicating with the uncle of a 10-year-old boy. In these messages, Long expressed a specific interest in engaging in sexual activity with the minor child.
The plot culminated on September 27, 2023, when Long traveled to a pre-determined location to meet the child and carry out the planned sex acts. He was arrested by law enforcement officers upon arrival at the site. During the subsequent investigation, authorities discovered child pornography stored on Long’s cellular phone, a fact to which he also pleaded guilty.
Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office, noted that Long’s plans for the next decade will now “include sitting behind bars in federal prison.” Tremaroli emphasized that the FBI’s task force continues to aggressively investigate predators who target vulnerable children.
Long faces life in prison and financial penalties
Long is scheduled for sentencing on February 19, 2027. Under the applicable statutes and U.S. Sentencing Guidelines will determine the final term of imprisonment. The potential penalties are severe, ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life in prison.
Beyond the prison term, the court may impose a variety of additional sanctions. Long faces a period of supervised release following his imprisonment that could last from five years up to life. He is also eligible for a fine of up to $250,000 and will be required to forfeit any property used to facilitate the crimes. He must also register as a sex offender.
| Penalty Type | Minimum Requirement | Maximum Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Imprisonment | 10 Years | Life |
| Financial Fine | Not Specified | $250,000 |
Law enforcement coordination under Project Safe Childhood
The arrest and subsequent conviction were the result of a coordinated effort by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. This unit integrates resources from federal, state, and local agencies to locate and apprehend individuals who use the internet to exploit children. Assistant U.S. Attorney A.J. Vickey handled the prosecution of the case.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated that his office prioritizes the prosecution of individuals who attempt to commit sex crimes against children. He specifically credited the diligence of the New York State Police and the Colonie Police Department in securing the arrest.
Project Safe Childhood is led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). The initiative focuses on identifying and rescuing victims while marshaling resources to prosecute offenders who use digital platforms for abuse.
Court proceedings set for February 2027
The legal process will remain open until the formal sentencing hearing on February 19, 2027. At that time, Judge D’Agostino will weigh the specific statutes violated and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, along with other relevant factors, to impose the final sentence.
Until that date, Long remains under the jurisdiction of the federal court system. The outcome of the sentencing will determine the exact length of his incarceration and the specific terms of his lifelong registration as a sex offender.
