From our New York Sexual Abuse Lawyers’ Perspective
When a longtime New York City Department of Education employee is arrested at JFK Airport with alleged child pornography on his phone—including images of his own students—the public has every right to be alarmed. The recent federal criminal complaint against Alejandro Santos, a teacher’s assistant with over two decades of service, raises disturbing questions not only about the individual’s conduct but also about the systems in place to safeguard our most vulnerable children.
According to federal prosecutors, Santos was flagged by customs officials upon returning from a trip to the Dominican Republic. A search of his phone allegedly uncovered approximately 50 images and videos of child sexual abuse material, along with clothed images of his special education students—some of whom are nonverbal—interspersed within his camera roll. This disturbing detail, noted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Sise, signals a potential boundary breach that warrants swift and thorough investigation.
As sexual abuse attorneys representing victims across New York, we’ve seen the devastation caused when individuals in positions of trust exploit their access to children. The fact that Santos worked closely with students who may be unable to fully communicate—either because of age or disability—makes these allegations even more troubling.
While the Department of Education suspended Santos following his arrest, it remains unclear where he worked and whether parents have been notified. This lack of transparency only compounds the trauma families experience when abuse is suspected within an educational setting. Too often, we see institutions act slowly or defensively in the face of such allegations, prioritizing damage control over child safety.
At this early stage, authorities have not alleged that Santos had inappropriate physical contact with his students. But from a legal perspective, possession of child pornography—particularly when it involves images of one’s students—demands rigorous scrutiny. If further investigation reveals that any photographs were taken without proper consent, or if students were recorded in vulnerable contexts, civil claims may be viable in addition to the criminal charges already filed.
Our firm stands with survivors and their families. We help them navigate the complex path of holding not only individual perpetrators accountable but also the institutions that failed to protect them. Whether the harm stems from outright abuse or the negligent oversight that allowed a predator access to children, survivors have legal rights that deserve to be vigorously defended.
If you suspect that your child may have been harmed by a teacher, aide, or any school employee, don’t wait. Contact a New York school sexual abuse lawyer with experience handling school-related abuse cases. A confidential consultation can help you understand your options and begin the process of seeking justice.
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