Updated Feb. 25, 2026, 2:33 p.m. ET
An instructor at the University of Georgia was removed from campus Tuesday following allegations made in a video posted to social media, university officials confirmed.
The allegations surfaced after a social media user confronted the instructor on camera and later posted the footage online.
The video quickly circulated across multiple platforms, drawing attention from students and others in the Athens community.
Here’s everything to know.
What happened?
Many circulating videos online confirm a confrontation with instructor Antonio Alfieri, alleging text message exchanges with who be believed was a 14-year-old boy.
The video was posted by Street Sweeperz Unit, a viral social media account that attempts to catch pedophiles.
Who are streetsweeperztv and hoodanchorye?
Instagram account @streetsweeperztv was created to identify potential child predators online. The group, based out of Athens, will pose as underage children and start messaging with adults. If the messages turn sexual or inappropriate, the group will confront the adult on camera. It’s unclear whether any formal charges have been brought because of the account’s work.
The group posted their first confrontation video in November of last year.
“Many of us have children and families, and we are intent on keeping our communities safe, especially the children of these communities,” the group said in the post. “We gather and share information pertinent to that purpose, and we are HONORED to do so.”
When confronting the UGA instructor, the group partnered with @hoodanchorye, a popular online personality from Atlanta. Hoodanchorye gained a following by sharing news around the city as a first-person reporter, commonly appearing in front of crime scenes or speaking with officials.
Just a few days before Hoodanchorye joined the streetsweeperztv in Athens, he spoke with Governor Gavin Newsom about his new book during a tour stop in Atlanta.
University of Georgia statement
The University on Wednesday released a social media statement.
The school said the class that day was canceled and an investigation has already been launched.
“And the instructor was promptly removed from campus while that investigation is pending,” the social media post read. “The UGA PD has been in communication with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and is working with the social media influencers to collect all relevant evidence. The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences will arrange for another instructor to teach the class for the rest of the semester.
“The safety of our campus community is our top priority. We encourage anyone who might have information about these allegations to contact UGA PD at 706-542-2200.
The Athens Banner-Herald reached out to UGA for a statement early Wednesday and received a similar statement.
“The allegations concerning this instructor are deeply disturbing, and the matter has been referred to law enforcement. The instructor has been removed from campus while the investigation is conducted.”
Who is Antonio Alfieri?
According to UGA directory, Alfieri is a limited term assistant professor. According to the text messages obtained by the AJC, he claimed to be 30 years old.
According to the university’s statement, it is unclear whether Alfieri is on administrative leave or is no longer employed.
UGA investigation
This is still under investigation. No charges have been announced as of Tuesday, and officials have not provided additional information about the timeline of events.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at Vcountryman@gannett.com.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
