Full Breakdown
Two Former NYPD Officers Sentenced for Sexual Assault of Incapacitated Woman
1/12/2026, 8:10:38 AM
Overview of the Incident
On January 11, 2026, former New York Police Department officers Julio Alcantara-Santiago, 40, and Christian Garcia, 32, were sentenced for sexually assaulting an incapacitated woman after a night out at a Bronx bar on July 9, 2023. The sentencing took place at Bronx Supreme Criminal Court, where Alcantara-Santiago received six years of sex offender probation, while Garcia was sentenced to one year of probation and mandated to complete a behavioral treatment program.
Survivor's Testimony
The survivor, whose identity remains undisclosed, recounted her traumatic experience in court. After a night of drinking at Zona De Cuba lounge, she awoke to find herself being assaulted in an unfamiliar home. She expressed her feelings of terror and helplessness during the assault, stating, “I’m terrified and scared that if I say something... they will harm me or even kill me.” Following the incident, she sought help from her family and went to a local hospital for evaluation, where she underwent a rape kit examination.
In her impactful testimony, she shared the emotional toll the incident has taken on her life over the past three years. “I feel nothing but anger and rage,” she stated, emphasizing the struggle to maintain a facade of strength for her family while grappling with deep-seated trauma. She encouraged others to report assaults regardless of the assailant's status, asserting, “Do not be afraid of the title they hold, and never give up.”
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The two former officers were arrested in April 2024 after surveillance footage linked them to the crime. Following their plea agreement, both were suspended without pay from the NYPD. Judge Ralph Fabrizio, who presided over the case, acknowledged the survivor's bravery in recounting her story, stating, “You are a victim of a horrific crime.”
An order of protection was also issued against Alcantara-Santiago and Garcia. Notably, Alcantara-Santiago had a prior arrest in September 2022 for allegedly groping a woman at the Hard Rock Cafe in Yankee Stadium, a case that was dismissed by Bronx prosecutors after reviewing surveillance footage.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the challenges victims face when seeking justice, particularly when the assailants are law enforcement officers. The survivor's call for others to report their experiences underscores the importance of addressing sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their position.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I start to make movement so that the men can stop. I’m terrified and scared that if I say something or if they notice that I’m awake while they’re doing certain things, they will harm me or even kill me,” — Survivor
- “For almost three years, I have pretended to be someone I’m not.” — Survivor
- “ “The ones who [were] supposed to serve and protect were the ones who failed me.” — Survivor
- “I want you to know your words are very important to me. You are a victim of a horrific crime,” — Judge Ralph Fabrizio
Conclusion
The sentencing of Alcantara-Santiago and Garcia serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding sexual assault and the complexities involved in seeking justice. The survivor's testimony not only sheds light on her personal struggle but also serves as a rallying cry for others to speak out against such crimes.
