NJ ex-teacher 'Santa' charged in child-abuse materials
Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said Monday that Mark Paulino, 64, a retired Hamilton Township elementary teacher who had been working as a Santa at public and private events, was arrested and charged with distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material after ICAC investigators traced illicit uploads to him. Detectives received a Dec. 4 tip from the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit, executed a search warrant at Paulino’s home Friday with Hamilton Police SWAT, seized evidence, and filed a motion to detain him pending trial.
📌 Key Facts
- Suspect: Mark Paulino, 64, retired Hamilton Township, NJ elementary school teacher and Santa impersonator
- Charges: 2nd-degree distribution; 2nd-degree possession with intent to distribute; 3rd-degree possession; endangering the welfare of a child
- Timeline: Tip received Dec. 4; home searched Friday; arrest and charges announced Monday; prosecutors seek detention pending trial
📊 Relevant Data
In fiscal year 2024, 99.1% of individuals sentenced for child pornography offenses in federal courts were men.
FY24 Quick Facts on Child Pornography Offenses — United States Sentencing Commission
In fiscal year 2024, 71.2% of individuals sentenced for child pornography offenses were White, 18.0% were Hispanic, 6.0% were Black, and 4.8% were Other races, compared to U.S. population percentages of approximately 59% non-Hispanic White, 19% Hispanic, and 14% Black.
FY24 Quick Facts on Child Pornography Offenses — United States Sentencing Commission
School employee sexual misconduct is estimated to affect 10% of K-12 students in the United States.
A Case Study of K–12 School Employee Sexual Misconduct: Lessons Learned from Title IX Policy Implementation — U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs