A teacher’s aide employed by the New York City Department of Education has been charged with transportation and possession of child pornography. Alejandro F. Santos, 47, was arraigned at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon following his arrest in July 2025.
Santos worked at a public school in the Bronx serving children with disabilities and had been with the Department of Education for 23 years. Authorities say he was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport on July 15, 2025, after arriving from the Dominican Republic. Officers acted on a law enforcement alert suggesting Santos might possess child sexual abuse material.
During an inspection, Santos provided his iPhone to officers, who found thousands of photographs, videos, and other files depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including infants and toddlers.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Director Francis J. Russo 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.”
The charges against Santos are allegations; he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. If convicted on transporting child sexual abuse material charges alone, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
Anyone with relevant information about criminality involving Santos is encouraged to contact HSI New York at hsinyhumanexploitation@hsi.dhs.gov.
Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth D’Antonio is leading the prosecution through the Office’s General Crimes Section.
