Retired New Jersey teacher who portrayed Santa Claus faces charges for distributing child pornography.
A retired New Jersey teacher, who presented himself as a Santa Claus performer, has been charged with the distribution of child pornography, according to Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey. The individual, identified as 64-year-old Mark Paulino from Hamilton, was apprehended at his residence on Friday following the execution of a search warrant by law enforcement officials.
The investigation began when the New Jersey State Police alerted the prosecutor’s office on Thursday evening about a suspect in Hamilton Township who was allegedly uploading multiple files of child pornography to the internet. After identifying Paulino as the alleged perpetrator, detectives discovered that he had been actively promoting himself as a Santa Claus available for photographs and events tailored for children, including private celebrations and corporate engagements. This background prompted the swift action of investigators, leading to the acquisition of a search warrant for his home, which was executed the following afternoon. During this operation, multiple items were seized as evidence, and Paulino was taken into custody.
Paulino faces several serious charges, including one count of second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), one count of second-degree possession with the intent to distribute CSAM, one count of third-degree possession of CSAM, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. As of now, it remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation.
In a statement issued Monday evening, Scott Rocco, the superintendent of the Hamilton Township School District, noted that the district would not comment on the case at this time. Paulino had been actively marketing his services as a Santa Claus performer through a dedicated website, which featured an invitation for children to engage with “Santa Mark.” His biography on the site detailed his previous experience, which included various roles working with children since 1984 as a teacher, lifeguard, and special education instructor. Paulino retired in 2021 and subsequently pursued his ambition to perform as Santa Claus.
The investigation is ongoing, with Marbrey urging anyone who may have pertinent information to reach out to the prosecutor’s office at 609-989-6568. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Mercer County Prosecutor’s website.
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