ICE Agents Nab New Jersey Santa in Child Pornography Operation

Ice agents nab new jersey santa in child pornography operation

NEWARK, N.J. — Federal agents with ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark, working alongside local law enforcement, have arrested a Santa Claus impersonator accused of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material, officials announced.

On Dec. 5, investigators executed a search warrant at the Hamilton Township home of Mark Paulino, a retired elementary school teacher and professional Santa performer. According to authorities, the investigation began after New Jersey State Police tipped off HSI Newark’s Trenton office and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit about files Paulino allegedly uploaded to the internet.

Paulino has been charged by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office with one count each of 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. Prosecutors have filed a motion to detain him pending trial.

“HSI special agents are unwavering in their mission to protect our communities from those who prey on the vulnerable, knowing that even individuals who seem trustworthy may be living a double life,” said HSI Newark Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy. “This case demonstrates the crucial role the public plays in reporting suspected child abuse or exploitation.”

Authorities said they seized multiple items of evidentiary value from Paulino’s residence. According to his personal website, Paulino had recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District and offered professional Santa Claus appearances for photographs and private events.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may follow as forensic analysis of the seized materials continues.

Federal and local agents arrested a Hamilton Township Santa impersonator accused of distributing child sexual abuse material after an HSI-led investigation.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

See everything