The case involves Mark Paulino, a 64‑year‑old former elementary school teacher from Hamilton Township who later worked as a Santa Claus performer. Police carried out a two‑day investigation that led to his arrest on Friday on multiple child‑pornography related accusations, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to the complaint that was obtained by the media, Paulino was flagged after he filmed a child in a bedroom and sent the recording to someone else. Law enforcement seized a variety of evidence from his home before taking him into custody.
Paulino’s own “Santa Mark” website explains that he started performing as Santa after retiring from teaching in 2021. He says he was “pursuing [his] lifelong wish to be Santa Claus.” His career with children began back in 1984, when he worked as a substitute teacher and also offered lifeguard and swimming‑instructor services.
He has been married for more than twenty years. His wife, also a teacher, and he have two sons, as noted on his site. The “Santa Mark” website also offers a “Text Santa” feature that sends users to FaceTime.
When he appeared in person as Saint Nick, Paulino would hand out gifts, guide sing‑alongs, recite holiday stories, and take gift requests—traditional activities that children often share while sitting on the Santa’s lap.
The court filings say he faces charges of possession and distribution of child sexual‑abuse material, endangering the welfare of a child, abandonment, cruelty and neglect, and a fourth‑degree child‑abuse count. He’s set to appear in Mercer County Superior Court on Tuesday.
Paulino is not the only Santa on authorities’ radar. In 2024, a long‑time North Carolina Santa was arrested on thirteen counts of child abuse, with ties to a suspected child‑trafficking ring. Earlier, a Salvation Army Santa in upstate New York was caught on a prostitution warrant while panhandling for the charity.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
