Louisiana man who called himself Santa Claus arrested for child sexual exploitation
The man is accused of contacting an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy through a dating app
A 75-year-old Louisiana man, who legally changed his name to Santa Claus, was arrested after authorities allege he used a dating app to set up a date with someone he believed was a 15-year-old boy during a child exploitation sting.
Santa Claus, a New Orleans resident, was arrested June 26 on charges of soliciting sexual favors from a minor over the internet and indecent conduct with a minor, according to a news release from the Kenner Police Department.
Prison records reviewed by People magazine show he entered the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center that same day. Bail was set at $20,000 for each charge.
According to the release, Claus is accused of contacting an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy through a dating app. During their conversations, investigators allege he talked about performing sexual acts before setting up a date with the alleged teen.
According to police, detectives detained Claus, who sports thick white hair and a long, bushy beard, without incident after his arrival at the agreed meeting place.
“His physical appearance indicates that he adopts the personality of Santa Claus, which is alarming considering that he was attempting to have sexual relations with a minor,” the statement reads.
The arrest came during a child exploitation sting operation conducted over the weekend by the Kenner Police Department's Cyber Crimes Unit/ICAC of the Criminal Investigations Division, according to the agency.
Police said the operation resulted in 11 arrests.
According to the department, charges filed during the operation include requesting sexual favors from a minor through computer means, indecent conduct with a minor and indecent conduct related to sexual harassment.
“All of these defendants represent a danger to our youth and society,” Chief Keith A. Conley stated in the department's statement.
"We talk daily about the vulnerability of our children on social media and gaming platforms, and now we have arrested a person who dresses up as Santa Claus and invites parents to sit their young children on his lap for photos. This serves as a warning to parents and guardians," Conley continued.
Police reported that detectives have obtained arrest warrants for 10 other suspects whose identities will be released after their arrest.