Santa Claus impersonator arrested by ICE at New Jersey home

ICE agents detained a New Jersey man who worked as a Santa Claus impersonator after a search of his home in Hamilton Township on December 5. Authorities identified the suspect as Mark Paulino, a former elementary school teacher who recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District. According to ICE, Homeland Security Investigations Newark executed a search warrant and seized multiple items after tracing uploaded files to Paulino’s residence. Prosecutors in Mercer County charged Paulino with second degree distribution, second degree possession with intent to distribute, third degree possession and endangering the welfare of a child. Paulino is also listed as a self employed Santa Claus performer who provided photo sessions and appearances for private, corporate and organizational events. Paulino’s lawyer, Robin Kay Lord, disputed the case, saying, "They got a cyber tip, so they know that somebody out there on the World Wide Web has alleged child pornography."