HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A Santa performer and retired school teacher in Mercer County, New Jersey, was arrested last week for allegedly possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material, authorities announced on Monday.
Mark Paulino, 64, of Hamilton Township, was taken into custody late last week. Paulino is a retired elementary school teacher with the Hamilton Township School District, according to his website, which he uses to promote his work portraying Santa Claus at private, corporate and organizational events, and via Zoom.
On Dec. 4, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a tip from the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit that someone in Hamilton Township uploaded multiple files of child sexual abuse material online. Paulino was identified as the person who uploaded the items, authorities said.
Law enforcement officials said they worked to secure a search warrant as quickly as possible due to Paulino’s “active engagement with young children” in the role of Santa Claus. Investigators secured a warrant and searched Paulino’s house the following afternoon, where they found evidence and arrested him without incident, authorities said.
Paulino was charged with one count of second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute the material, and one count of third-degree possession of the material. He was also charged with one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
In a statement, Paulino’s attorney, Robin Kay Lord, said her client “categorically denies the allegations made against him.”
“My client has devoted years to portraying Santa Claus in local communities, spreading joy to children and families during the holiday season,” the statement reads, in part. “These charges do not reflect who he is, what he stands for, or how he has lived his life. … The allegations are legally presumed to be untrue, and we are fully prepared to challenge them in court.”
If convicted, the second-degree charges could carry up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-989-6568.