A man who worked as a “Santa for hire” has been arrested in New Jersey after police accused him of possessing and sharing child s3xual abuse material and warned of his active engagement with young children through holiday events.
Officials in Mercer County confirmed on Monday, Dec. 8, that 64-year-old Mark Paulino, from Hamilton Township, was taken into custody and charged with possession and distribution of child s3xual abuse materials, as well as endangering the welfare of a child.
According to investigators, the case began on December 4, 2025 when detectives were alerted to someone allegedly uploading images of child pornography from a home in Hamilton Township.
Police said the investigation quickly identified Paulino as the individual involved. Officers stated that Paulino had presented himself online as a recently retired elementary school teacher from the Hamilton Township School District and that he now, allegedly, performs as Santa for “photographs and private, corporate and organisational events.”
Because this role involved direct, repeated contact with children, detectives said they “worked around the clock” to secure a search warrant. That warrant was executed on December 5.
Police confirmed that investigators “seized multiple items of evidentiary value” during the search, and Paulino was arrested without incident.
Prosecutors have now filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
