NYC teacher’s assistant arrested at JFK Airport for possessing child pornography on his phone.
A teacher’s assistant employed by the New York City Department of Education faces serious legal troubles after being apprehended at John F. Kennedy Airport with child pornography, according to federal prosecutors. Alejandro Santos, 47, has been accused of possessing approximately 50 videos and images depicting child sexual abuse material. He was stopped upon arriving from the Dominican Republic on July 15, as authorities had flagged him based on suspicion he might be carrying illegal content.
Santos, who has been working within the educational system, reportedly supports children with mental disabilities, including those who are nonverbal. Details from a criminal complaint indicate that Customs agents, acting on intelligence, conducted a search of Santos’s phone, uncovering disturbing content that has raised alarm bells within both law enforcement and the educational community.
While court documents did not clarify the specific reasons for the alert that prompted Santos’s detainment, officials noted that various photos, including images of students clothed, were also found in his camera roll. This has led to concerns about the nature of his interactions with these minors, despite the Assistant U.S. Attorney, Ellen Sise, stating that there is currently no evidence of inappropriate extracurricular activities with students.
The New York City Department of Education has refrained from disclosing the school where Santos worked, but spokesperson Jenna Lyle emphasized that the allegations are “extremely concerning and unacceptable.” In light of the serious charges, the department has placed Santos on suspension and announced intentions to pursue termination if he is convicted.
Santos’s defense attorney, Kyla Wells, stated that he was returning from a family vacation at the time of his arrest. She noted that Santos has served 21 years within the Department of Education. During his arraignment, Magistrate Judge Cheryl Pollack granted a release on a 0,000 bond, secured by family members. As part of the conditions of his release, Santos is prohibited from having any contact with children except for his own, and he is restricted from using the internet, aside from communications approved by pretrial services.
As investigations continue, the Department of Education and local authorities remain vigilant regarding the safety of students and the integrity of school environments across New York City. This incident has not only raised questions about child safety and monitoring procedures but also highlights broader issues of trust and accountability within educational institutions.
Media News Source
