Former NYPD Officers Sentenced for Sexual Assault
Two ex-New York City police officers have been sentenced to probation for sexually assaulting a woman after a night out in the Bronx. A survivor of this horrific crime is encouraging other victims to share their stories, no matter the status of their assailants.
Julio Alcántara-Santiago, 40, and Christian Garcia, 32, received their sentences in Bronx Supreme Criminal Court following plea agreements related to the assault that took place on July 9, 2023.
Alcántara-Santiago, previously convicted for sexual offenses, was given six years of probation. He appeared visibly anxious in court, wearing an orange blazer and pinstripe pants.
Garcia, donning a navy suit and glasses, accepted a one-year probation sentence and was also required to undergo a behavioral treatment program.
According to a victim’s impact statement presented in court, the unnamed woman had gone out with coworkers on June 8, 2023, to the Zona de Cuba Lounge. After enjoying some drinks on the rooftop, her next memory was waking up to find herself being assaulted by two men in an unfamiliar home.
“I remember waking up slightly in someone’s house, and I was terrified to see two men with their hands on me,” she recounted in court. “I tried to move, hoping they would stop. I was scared they’d hurt me worse if they figured out I was awake.”
The woman said she eventually lay back down and fell asleep again. When she awoke the next morning, she was still in a strange apartment near the lounge.
After contacting her sister and best friend, she went to a local hospital for evaluation, where she was given a rape kit and spoke with multiple police officers.
The two officers were arrested in April 2024 after surveillance footage linked them to the crime. The NYPD subsequently suspended them without pay.
The assault victim shared with the court that she had struggled with the trauma for nearly three years and had fought hard to find strength during that time. “I have waited almost three years for closure over something that should never have happened. Hearing their names fills me with anger and resentment,” she said.
She continued, “For almost three years, I’ve pretended to be someone I’m not, trying to appear strong and as if I have my life together, especially for my family.”
“Honestly, I’m so scared. I don’t trust anyone now. This experience has turned what was supposed to be a fun time into a nightmare.”
Reflecting on her ordeal, she said she initially thought reporting the officers might surprisingly lead to justice. “At first, I was sure nobody would believe me; it was a struggle. But I didn’t give up,” she explained.
“To anyone out there, no matter how little evidence you have or how terrified you feel, don’t let someone’s title intimidate you. Keep fighting.”
She emphasized, “These were supposed to be the people who protected me. I won’t let anyone take away my dignity.”
After her emotional testimony, Judge Ralph Fabrizio expressed his gratitude to her for sharing her story. “Your words carry significant weight. You’re a survivor of a terrible crime,” he acknowledged.
Both Alcántara-Santiago and Garcia were issued orders of protection. Notably, Alcántara-Santiago had been arrested previously in 2022 for allegedly molesting a woman at Yankee Stadium’s Hard Rock Cafe; however, that case was dismissed after reviewing surveillance footage.
If you have been sexually assaulted and live in New York, you can receive free and confidential crisis counseling by calling 1-800-942-6906. For those outside New York, reach the 24/7 National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
