TRENTON, NJ – A retired Hamilton Township elementary school teacher has been arrested and charged with multiple counts related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material following an investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced the arrest of Mark Paulino, 64, who faces charges including 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 Paulino pending trial.
Investigation launched after state police referral
According to Marbrey’s office, detectives were alerted by the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit on Thursday evening, December 4, after receiving information that an individual in Hamilton Township had uploaded multiple files of suspected child sexual abuse material to the internet. Investigators identified Paulino as the suspect and began a fast-moving investigation.
Due to Paulino’s public role and recent work portraying a Santa Claus character for children’s events, detectives sought and obtained an emergency search warrant.
Search warrant executed, evidence seized
On Friday afternoon, December 5, members of the prosecutor’s ICAC Unit, with assistance from the Economic Crime, Cyber Crimes, and Domestic Violence units, as well as the Hamilton Police SWAT team, executed the warrant at Paulino’s home in Hamilton Township. Multiple items of evidentiary value were seized, and Paulino was taken into custody without incident.
Prosecutor Marbrey said the case underscores the importance of coordinated cyber investigations to identify individuals exploiting children online. “The detectives in our ICAC Unit worked swiftly to locate and apprehend the suspect due to his active engagement with children,” she said.
Ongoing investigation and community alert
Authorities are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone with information about this case—or any suspected online exploitation of children—to contact the Mercer County ICAC Unit at (609) 989-6568 or submit an anonymous tip through mercercountyprosecutor.com
