‘Santa Claus’ Detained by ICE

A former teacher who worked as a Santa Claus impersonator was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, according to a press release.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, along with local law enforcement partners, arrested New Jersey resident Mark Paulino on December 5 following the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Hamilton Township, ICE said in a press release published on December 22.

What To Know

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office charged Paulino with one count of second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, one count of second-degree possession with 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. Prosecutors have filed a motion seeking his detention pending trial.

The investigation began after HSI Newark special agents in Trenton and detectives with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received information from the New Jersey State Police indicating that Paulino had uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual abuse material to the internet, ICE said.

Multiple items of evidentiary value were seized during the execution of the search warrant, officials said.

Paulino is a former elementary school teacher who recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District, ICE added. He is also listed as a self-employed Santa Claus impersonator who provided services for photographs and private corporate and organizational events, the agency said.

Authorities searched Paulino’s Hamilton Township home on December 5 and seized multiple items of evidentiary value. He was taken into custody without incident, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said.

HSI is a division of ICE responsible for investigating a wide range of transnational crimes, including human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, financial fraud, cybercrime, and terrorism.

What People Are Saying

“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,” HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy said in a press release. “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.”

“This is probably the saddest case of a rush to judgment that I’ve ever seen in my 40 years of practicing law,” Robin Kay Lord, Paulino’s lawyer, said. “They got a cyber tip, so they know that somebody out there on the World Wide Web has alleged child pornography. They have yet to connect it to this gentleman.”