A 68-year-old man known locally for portraying Santa Claus at community events has been arrested in Florida, US, after allegedly attempting to pay for s3x with a minor during an undercover police operation.
Authorities in Polk County said Thomas Allen Hicks was taken into custody following a sting operation in which detectives posed online as a parent offering a teenage girl for paid s3x. Investigators said Hicks responded to the advert and continued communication even after being told the girl was 13.
According to officials, over a series of messages, the suspect discussed arrangements and allegedly agreed to pay $200. During the exchange, he was warned about the girl’s age but did not withdraw, instead continuing conversations about meeting.
Police said the suspect later travelled to a designated meeting location in Lakeland, where he was arrested by deputies. Authorities reported he had cash on him at the time of arrest.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the case as particularly disturbing given the suspect’s public profile. “This is a guy who is well known in Polk County, Central Florida and Lakeland as a for-hire Santa Claus,” he said. “It’s scary, as this guy was well respected in the community.”
Investigators said Hicks admitted during questioning that he had seen the advert online and was aware of the girl’s age. He is now facing multiple charges, including human trafficking, attempting to engage in s3x with a minor, and using electronic communication to solicit illegal activity.
Authorities said the arrest was part of a wider operation targeting online exploitation, which led to multiple suspects being taken into custody over the course of several days.
