Rockland County corrections sergeant pleads not guilty to alleged child porn charges

A Rockland County corrections sergeant pleaded not guilty to charges related to child pornography allegations Thursday morning in Clarkstown Justice Court in New City.

Daniel Dworkin, 44, of Valley Cottage, pleaded not guilty to Judge Leslie Kahn. He faces 51 charges of both encouraging and possessing a child’s sexual performance. He is accused of having 51 different images of a girl under 16 performing sexual acts from last March through November in a Google Drive account associated with his email and IP address.

News 12 was told Dworkin has 18 years with county corrections. Records show he earned $113,407.27 as a sergeant in 2022. The Rockland Sheriff’s office says Dworkin has been suspended without pay. They are now conducting their own investigation and say these allegations occurred while he was off duty and were not related to his job.

“I was extremely disturbed to learn of the allegations against one of our corrections officers and, if proven, I believe he will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Rockland Sheriff Louis Falco III. “The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Staff is comprised of dedicated professionals, and this individual’s actions should not reflect negatively on the members of the Sheriff’s Office who serve and protect the citizens of Rockland County every day.”

The Rockland County District Attorney’s Office arrested Dworkin as part of a national, state and local task force focused on internet crimes against children.

Rockland District Attorney Thomas Walsh reminded parents to be careful, saying, “We are committed to protecting our children.” “Please make sure you know what your children are doing online. Please monitor their electronic devices.”

Bail was set at $500,000.

News 12 was told Dworkin will be held in the Rockland County jail until he can be transferred to another facility due to his current job.

Dworkin denied the request for protective custody in the courtroom. He is scheduled to return to Clarkstown Court on Monday.

The public defender at his hearing had no comment.