Teacher’s Aide at New York City Public School Charged With Child Pornography Offenses

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Alejandro F. Santos was arraigned on an indictment charging him with transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography.  Santos was arrested on a complaint in July 2025.  At the time of his arrest, Santos was employed by the New York City Department of Education as a teacher’s aide at a public school in the Bronx for children with disabilities.  Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. 

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), and Francis J. Russo, Director of New York Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), announced the charges. 

“The defendant, who held a position of trust as a teacher’s aide in a New York City elementary school, is charged with possessing photos and videos depicting horrific sexual abuse of children,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office is committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals like the defendant who possess such images, which contribute to the depraved market for child pornography and the victimization of vulnerable minors.”

“The details of Alejandro Santos’ alleged crimes are among every parent’s worst nightmare. This defendant worked closely with young kids nearly every day over the course of 23 years. Protecting minors from individuals like this defendant is not only paramount, it’s personal. I implore any person who believes they have information related to crimes involving Santos to contact authorities as soon as possible,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel.

“This case underscores the vital role CBP plays in identifying potential criminal activity during border inspections,” stated CBP Director Russo. “Our officers are dedicated to protecting the public, safeguarding our children from exploitation, and collaborating with partner agencies to ensure thorough investigations are conducted.”

As alleged in court filings, on July 15, 2025, Santos arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on a flight from the Dominican Republic. While proceeding through customs, Santos was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers pursuant to a law enforcement alert based on information that the defendant was likely in possession of child sex abuse material.  Santos was escorted to an inspection area and provided the officers with his iPhone.  A subsequent examination of that phone revealed thousands of photographs, videos and other files depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including infants and toddlers.  Santos has worked for the New York City Department of Education for 23 years.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted of transporting of child sexual abuse material, Santos faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. 

Anyone with information about criminality involving the defendant should contact HSI New York at hsinyhumanexploitation@hsi.dhs.gov

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth D’Antonio is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

ALEJANDRO F. SANTOS
Age: 47
Bronx, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-258 (NRM)