Santa actor, retired New Jersey elementary teacher, arrested in child exploitation investigation

Santa actor arrested in child exploitation investigation

Mark Paulino, a 64-year-old retired Hamilton Township school teacher who now portrays a Santa character at events, has been arrested and charged after officials say he uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual abuse material.

MERCER COUNTY, N.J. - A retired Hamilton Township school teacher who now portrays a Santa character at events has been arrested following an investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit, officials announced.

What we know:

Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said detectives were alerted Thursday night after the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit reported that an individual in Hamilton Township had uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online.

Mark Paulino, 64, is charged with 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

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Investigators identified 64-year-old Mark Paulino as the subject. Paulino recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District, where he worked as an elementary school teacher. Prosecutors said, according to his website, Paulino has since been working as a Santa character for photographs and private or corporate events.

Because of his ongoing interaction with children in that role, detectives worked overnight to secure a search warrant.

On Friday afternoon, Dec. 5, members of the ICAC Unit executed the warrant at Paulino’s home. Multiple items of evidentiary value were seized, and Paulino was taken into custody without incident.

He is charged with:

• one count of second-degree distribution of CSAM
• one count of second-degree possession with intent to distribute CSAM
• one count of third-degree possession of CSAM
• one count of endangering the welfare of a child

Prosecutors have filed a motion to detain him pending trial. A second-degree charge carries a potential sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and fines up to $150,000.

The other side:

In a statement from Robin Kay Lord, Paulino's attorney:

"My client has devoted years to portraying Santa Claus in local communities, spreading joy to children and families during the holiday season. He categorically denies the allegations made against him and maintains his complete innocence."

"These charges do not reflect who he is, what he stands for or how he has lived his life. We urge the public to remember that in our justice system every person is presumed innocent. The allegations are legally presumed to be untrue, and we are fully prepared to challenge them in court. We ask the community to avoid rushing to judgment to respect the privacy of my client and his family and to allow the judicial process to move forward fairly and without prejudice."

What's next:

The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Prosecutor’s ICAC Unit at (609) 989-6568 or submit anonymous tips online.

Officials also urge anyone aware of suspected inappropriate online interactions or possible exploitation of children to report it to the ICAC Unit or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.