New Jersey Man Who Performed as Santa and Taught Elementary School Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges
A New Jersey man known for portraying Santa Claus at public events and who recently retired from teaching has been arrested on multiple child exploitation charges, according to officials in Mercer County.
Prosecutors say Mark Paulino, 64, is facing several serious charges, including second-degree distribution and possession with intent to distribute child sexual abuse material, third-degree possession of such material, and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges were announced by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Paulino, who used the name “Santa Mark” and offered his services for holiday and community events, allegedly uploaded numerous illegal files involving children to online platforms. The investigation began after the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit identified Paulino as a suspect and notified county prosecutors.
Given Paulino’s previous work involving children, investigators moved quickly to secure a search warrant, prosecutors said.
Law enforcement officers carried out the warrant at Paulino’s residence in Hamilton Township last Friday. During the search, Paulino was taken into custody, and multiple items were seized for evidence.
If found guilty on the second-degree charges, Paulino could face five to 10 years in state prison and fines of up to $150,000. Prosecutors have filed a motion requesting that he remain detained while the case proceeds.
The Hamilton Township School District, where Paulino had previously been employed, declined to comment on the arrest or the charges.
The investigation remains ongoing.