Mark Nacht, age 65, of Waltham, Massachusetts, was arrested on April 10 in Albany on charges of attempted enticement of a minor, according to an announcement by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and safeguard children from online predators. Authorities allege that between December 18, 2025, and April 10, Nacht exchanged sexually explicit messages with undercover agents whom he believed would allow him to engage in sexual activity with a minor. Investigators say he traveled from Massachusetts to Albany intending to meet what he thought was a thirteen-year-old girl but was instead met by law enforcement officers.
Sarcone said: “As alleged, this defendant sought to prey on an innocent young girl and inflict terrible harm on her. Thanks to this incredible sting operation and others like it, parents can sleep more soundly tonight. Every day, we are working with our law enforcement partners to lock up pedophiles who would seek to exploit children in our communities.” Tremaroli said: “As alleged, Mr. Nacht left his home in Massachusetts to travel to Albany to have sexual contact with an individual he believed to be a minor. Instead, he found FBI Albany’s Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force waiting to arrest him. This arrest should send a clear message that the FBI is committed to aggressively investigating these dangerous predators and ensuring they are held accountable for their disturbing actions.”
Nacht appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart following his arrest and was remanded into custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for April 14.
If convicted under the charge filed against him—which carries up to life imprisonment—Nacht faces at least ten years’ imprisonment as well as potential fines up to $250,000 and supervised release terms ranging from five years up through life; conviction would also require registration as a sex offender.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI as part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative led by U.S Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) aimed at combating child sexual exploitation online (more information). The Justice Department serves as the principal federal agency for law enforcement according to its official website. The department employs over 115,000 people operating across the United States and internationally according to its official website, maintaining operations throughout more than fifty countries according to its official website. It focuses on upholding rule of law while ensuring national safety and protecting civil rights as detailed online.
Attorney General Merrick Garland has led the Justice Department since March 11, 2021 according to its official website, overseeing major prosecutions such as those related to the Oklahoma City bombing case during his tenure as per department records.
Officials remind that charges are merely accusations at this stage; Nacht is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
