ICE arrests Santa Claus impersonator for child sexual abuse material

NEWARK - ICE Homeland Security Investigations Newark and local law enforcement partners arrested a so-called "Santa Claus" in New Jersey. On Dec. 5, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence of Mark Paulino, who is suspected of possessing and distributing child sexual exploitation and abuse material.

Paulino, a self-employed Santa Claus impersonator and former schoolteacher, was charged by the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office with one count of second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute child sexual abuse material, one count of third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The prosecutor's office has filed a motion to detain Paulino pending trial.

"HSI special agents are unwavering in their mission to protect our communities from those who prey on the vulnerable, knowing that even individuals who seem trustworthy may be living a double life," said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. "This case demonstrates the crucial role the public plays in reporting suspected child abuse or exploitation. We commend the courageous individuals who came forward - their vigilance and willingness to speak out have played a vital part in protecting children and bringing offenders to justice."

Authorities initiated an investigation after HSI Newark special agents in Trenton and detectives with the prosecutor's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received information from the New Jersey State Police that Paulino had uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual abuse material to the internet.

According to his website, Paulino recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District as an elementary school teacher and is now a professional Santa impersonator, available for photographs and private corporate and organizational events.

Multiple items of evidentiary value were seized when authorities executed the search warrant at Paulino's Hamilton Township residence Dec.5.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the prosecutor's Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at 609-989-6568. You can also submit tips anonymously online to the prosecutor's office here.

Defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

HSI launched Project iGuardian in 2014, and since then, it has been HSI's primary outreach tool to educate the public about the ongoing threat of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Learn how to report these crimes at https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect/how-to-report.