Kenner, Louisiana: Man with legal name Santa Claus arrested for child exploitation
Police have revealed ‘alarming’ details after arresting a 75-year-old man. WARNING: Sensitive content
WARNING: Sensitive content
A man whose legal name is Santa Claus has been arrested as part of an undercover child exploitation sting.
It is alleged the 75-year-old from New Orleans used a dating app to meet a 15-year-old boy, who was actually an undercover detective.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.During those conversations, Mr Claus allegedly discussed sexual acts with the person he believed to be a teenager, and arranged to meet in person.
Police said that when the man arrived at the location in Kenner, he was taken into custody without incident.
He was charged with computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behaviour with a juvenile.
“His physical appearance indicates he does take on the persona of the Santa Clause which is alarming considering he was attempting to have sex with a boy,” a spokesperson said in a press release from the Kenner Police Department.
In an image that accompanied the release, Mr Claus can be seen with a thick, white beard, and wearing a red outfit.
Chief Keith Conley said Mr Claus was one of 11 people arrested in an undercover operation targeting child exploitation.
“All these defendants are a danger to our youth and society, we preach 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 inviting parents to drop their young children in his lap for photo ops, this is a cautionary tale to parents and guardians” he said.
“Anyone who uses the anonymity of the internet to exploit children should understand one thing—we are there too.
“Our investigators will continue to identify these predators, build strong cases, and bring them to justice before they have the opportunity to victimise a child.”
While it is unclear how many people have legally changed their names to Santa Claus across the globe, estimates sit at only a handful.
The name is banned in several US states.
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
