Victor Alvelo, former General Superintendent of the New York City Department of Sanitation, was charged with possession of child pornography, according to an Aug. 5 announcement by United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jamie McDonald. Alvelo was arrested and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary Stein in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said, “Victor Alvelo, the General Superintendent of the New York City Department of Sanitation (‘DSNY’), is accused of possessing thousands of images of graphic child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse of children inevitably leads to irreparable harm to those innocent and vulnerable victims. Our Office is committed to pursuing justice against those who commit these unfathomable acts. Together with our partners at HSI and the NYPD’s Computer Crimes Squad, we will work tirelessly to detect predators, prosecute them, and protect our community’s children.”
Pete Gizas, Acting Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations New York Field Office, said, “As a former senior public official, Victor Alvelo allegedly betrayed the confidence placed in him by the city and the public, even brazenly using his government-branded clothing to store files containing material that no person should ever possess. Those who seek out and keep child sexual abuse material perpetuate the abuse of children and fuel a predatory market built on their exploitation. HSI New York will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners to identify offenders, pursue justice, and safeguard our community’s children, vulnerable populations, and the public at large.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said, “Victor Alvelo allegedly possessed thousands of disturbing images of child pornography, including victims as young as 12 years old. The NYPD will be relentless in stopping predators who seek to exploit and harm children. I thank our investigators, including the NYPD’s Computer Crimes Squad, and law enforcement partners for finding this illegal and vile material, and working to hold this perpetrator accountable.”
According to allegations contained in the complaint against him, Alvelo served as General Superintendent until his retirement around August 2025; from approximately August 2022 through August 3rd this year he possessed thousands of images or videos depicting child pornography on devices within his residence—including files found on a USB flash drive stored inside a jacket bearing DSNY insignia.
Alvelo is charged with one count related to possession involving prepubescent minors or minors under age twelve; if convicted he faces up to twenty years in prison—the final sentence would be determined by a judge after conviction.
The charges are accusations only; Victor Alvelo is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.