Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A 64-year-old New Jersey man, who worked as a “Santa for hire” at holiday events, has been arrested and charged with possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), triggering alarm given his repeated contact with children. The suspect, identified as Mark Paulino from Hamilton Township, was taken into custody after authorities detected suspicious online activity involving uploads of child-abuse imagery originating from his home.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the investigation began on 4 December 2025 when the State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit flagged the uploads. Detectives quickly traced the activity to Paulino’s residence and obtained a search warrant. When law enforcement executed the warrant, they seized multiple devices and materials that form part of the case evidence.
Paulino — who until recently taught at an elementary school in the Hamilton Township School District — had since transitioned to offering his services as “Santa Mark,” marketing himself for photoshoots and private events. Prosecutors said the alleged offences include second-degree distribution of CSAM, second-degree possession with intent to distribute, third-degree possession, and a count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Given his history of working closely with children — first as a teacher, then as a seasonal Santa performer — the charges have raised serious public concern. Mercer County authorities have filed a motion to detain Paulino pending trial, underscoring the severity with which they view the alleged crimes.
Community members and parents in the area have expressed shock and outrage, demanding swift justice. Advocacy groups warn that the case underscores the broader danger posed by individuals who exploit positions of trust and visibility — such as seasonal entertainers — to access or target minors.
As the legal process unfolds, authorities have appealed to the public to report any suspicious web activity or unexplained contact involving minors, urging vigilance especially during periods when children are more exposed to strangers under festive pretenses.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments