Suffolk sheriff's correction officer Robert Sorrentino had child sexual abuse material on his phone, prosecutors say

A Suffolk County sheriff's correction officer was charged with possession of child pornography on his phone.

Prosecutors said Robert Sorrentino, 42, of Ridge, was arrested on Thursday and charged with seven counts of possession of a sexual performance by a child.

Prosecutors said Sorrentino's cryptocurrency account was flagged by the FBI, suspected of buying child sexual abuse materials.

Suffolk County district attorney investigators traced the videos bought at Sorrentino's address in Ridge, where authorities served a search warrant, prosecutors said.

A search of Sorrentino's iPhone found multiple videos of children between the ages of 5 and 13, prosecutors said.

Sorrentino is also an active member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves and a volunteer Ridge firefighter.

"The alleged conduct of this employee is not only profoundly disturbing, but it is also a serious violation of the trust placed in law enforcement and the people we are sworn to protect," Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon Jr. said in a statement. "While these charges are heinous and inexcusable, they are in no way a reflection of the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, who serve with integrity and honor."

Sorrentino's attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

He was scheduled to be arraigned on the seven felony charges on Thursday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Sorrentino faces 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison if convicted.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.