NEWARK, NJ - ICE Homeland Security Investigations agents in New Jersey have arrested a man dressed as Santa Claus after investigators say he possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material.
In a recently published report by ICE, Mark Paulino was taken into custody on December 5 after HSI Newark, working alongside local law enforcement partners, executed a search warrant at his residence in Hamilton Township.
Paulino is a former elementary school teacher now working as a self-employed Santa Claus. Authorities say the investigation uncovered evidence that he uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual exploitation material to the internet.
Paulino has been charged by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office with several felony offenses, including second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, second-degree possession with intent to distribute, third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material, and endangering the welfare of a child.
Prosecutors have also filed a motion seeking to detain him pending trial.
According to ICE, the investigation began after HSI Newark agents and detectives with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit (ICAC) received information from the New Jersey State Police indicating that Paulino had uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual abuse material online.
When authorities executed the search warrant at his home on December 5, they seized several items described as having evidentiary value related to the case.
ICE officials noted that Paulino advertised his services online as a professional Santa Claus, offering appearances for private events, corporate functions, and photo sessions. Investigators noted that his background as a former elementary school teacher raised additional concerns, given the nature of the charges.
HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy said the case highlights how offenders can present themselves as trustworthy figures while engaging in criminal behavior behind closed doors.
McCarthy credited members of the public for coming forward with information that helped initiate the investigation and emphasized the importance of reporting suspected child exploitation.
It’s important to note that HSI handles a wide range of federal crimes, not just immigration enforcement. These include child exploitation, human trafficking, cybercrime, financial crimes, and narcotics, regardless of the suspect’s citizenship or immigration status. Thankfully, their efforts were able to take another potential predator off the streets.
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