A 64-year-old New Jersey man, who worked as a “Santa for hire,” has been arrested for possessing and distributing child s+xual ab¥se material, raising concerns due to his repeated interactions with children at holiday events.
Mark Paulino of Hamilton Township was taken into custody on Monday and faces charges including possession and distribution of child s+xual ab¥se material, as well as endangering the welfare of a child.
Mercer County officials said the investigation began on 4 December 2025 after detectives were alerted to suspicious online activity from a Hamilton Township residence involving the uploading of child porn%graphy. Paulino, a retired elementary school teacher, was quickly identified as the suspect.
Authorities noted that Paulino had performed as Santa Claus at private, corporate, and organizational events, a role that put him in repeated contact with children. “Because this role involved direct, repeated contact with children, detectives worked around the clock to secure a search warrant,” officials said.
The search warrant was executed on 5 December, during which police seized multiple items of evidentiary value. Paulino was arrested without incident. Prosecutors have requested that he be detained pending trial, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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