Authorities in Mercer County, United States, have disclosed the arrest of a 64-year-old Santa performer and retired elementary school teacher in New Jersey on allegations of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
This was disclosed by Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey’s office which identified the suspect as Mark Paulino of Hamilton Township.
Prosecutors charged the suspect with second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, second-degree possession with intent to distribute, third-degree possession, and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to investigators, the case began on December 4 after the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit alerted local detectives to uploads of child pornography traced to a Hamilton Township home. Paulino was later identified as the suspect.
Prosecutors said Paulino recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District, explaining that his website advertised him as a Santa performer available for private, corporate and community events.
“Due to his active engagement with young children in that role, detectives worked around the clock to obtain a search warrant,” prosecutors wrote in a press release.
Investigators executed that warrant on December 5, arresting Paulino and seizing several items from his home. He was taken into custody without incident.
CBS News reports that Paulino faces five to ten years in prison on the second-degree charges and fines that could reach $150,000, according to prosecutors.
A motion has been filed to keep him detained while his case continues.
The Hamilton Township School District declined to comment when contacted by CBS News Philadelphia.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and encouraged anyone with information or past interactions of concern to come forward.
(CBS News/Tribune)