A retired school teacher who also worked as a seasonal Santa Claus has been arrested in New Jersey on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Mark Paulino, 64, of Hamilton Township, faces one count of second-degree distribution of CSAM, one count of second-degree possession with intent to distribute, one count of third-degree possession of CSAM, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed in a statement on Monday, Dec. 8.
Investigators with the Mercer County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit reportedly discovered the alleged material on Dec. 4. Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey emphasized that Paulino’s active role as a Santa character, which involved interaction with children at photographs, private events, and corporate functions, prompted detectives to act swiftly to secure a search warrant.
Paulino recently retired from his position as an elementary school teacher in the Hamilton Township School District. According to prosecutors, a website linked to Paulino promoted his services as a Santa Claus for events following his retirement.
Authorities obtained a search warrant on Friday, Dec. 5, with the assistance of the prosecutor’s Economic Crime, Cyber Crimes, and Domestic Violence units, as well as the Hamilton Police SWAT team. Multiple items of evidentiary value were seized during the operation, and Paulino was taken into custody without incident.
If convicted of the second-degree charges, Paulino could face between five and ten years in state prison, along with fines up to $150,000.
The investigation into the case is ongoing
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