Trenton, NJ – He checked his file list and checked it twice before uploading photos of children on the internet. Now, this New Jersey Santa performer is getting more than coal in his stockings for christmas.
Prosecutors in New Jersey found that this Santa was a one-man naughty list.
A retired Hamilton Township teacher who works as a Santa performer was arrested after investigators linked him to uploaded files of suspected child sexual abuse material.
Known online as “Santa Mark”, Paulino worked as a Santa impersonator, but that career is probably over.
Welcome Boys and Girls! I’m Santa Mark, and I’ve come straight from the North Pole to bring a little extra Christmas Magic to your event! Schedule me to visit your school or business for photos, sing-alongs, and more! Ho, Ho, Ho!
Santamark.info
Detectives identified 64-year-old Mark Paulino as the subject after receiving information from state authorities.
Paulino was taken into custody at his home when investigators executed a search warrant.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation began December 4 when the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit alerted county detectives to multiple uploads traced to a Hamilton Township residence.
Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced that Paulino is charged with second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, second-degree possession with intent to distribute, third-degree possession, and endangering the welfare of a child.
According to investigators, Paulino recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District and advertised himself online as a Santa character for private and public events.
Detectives accelerated efforts to obtain a search warrant due to his ongoing interaction with children in that role.
On December 5, county ICAC detectives, assisted by multiple specialized units and Hamilton Police SWAT, searched his Hamilton Township residence.
Authorities reported seizing several items considered evidentiary in the case.
Officials said Paulino was taken into custody without incident following the search.
The prosecutor’s office has filed a motion to keep him detained while the case proceeds.
Second-degree charges in New Jersey carry potential prison terms of five to 10 years and fines up to $150,000.
The investigation remains active, and additional interviews and forensic reviews are underway.
Prosecutor Marbrey urged anyone with information about online exploitation or improper contact involving children to contact the county ICAC Unit or the New Jersey ICAC Task Force tip line.
Authorities also encouraged tips through the prosecutor’s anonymous online portal.
Officials reiterated that the charges are accusations and that Paulino is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Detectives said further details may be released as the investigation develops.
Community members in Hamilton Township have been encouraged to report any information related to Paulino’s public appearances or contact with children.
Investigators continue to review digital evidence seized during the search.
A New Jersey Santa performer was charged after investigators linked him to uploads of suspected child sexual abuse material.