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Retired Elementary Teacher and Seasonal Santa Arrested in New Jersey on CSAM Charges

Angel Saunders|People
02:54 PM, 12/10/2025
Retired Elementary Teacher and Seasonal Santa Arrested in New Jersey on CSAM Charges
Mercer County Prosecutor's OfficeMark Paulino

Mercer County prosecutors say 64-year-old Mark Paulino, a retired Hamilton Township elementary teacher who now performs as a seasonal Santa, was arrested after the county ICAC Unit found child sexual abuse material linked to him on Dec. 4. He was charged Dec. 8 with multiple counts, including two second-degree offenses and one third-degree offense, plus endangering the welfare of a child. A search warrant executed Dec. 5 yielded evidence and Paulino was taken into custody without incident. If convicted on the second-degree counts, he faces 5–10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000; the investigation remains ongoing.

A retired Hamilton Township elementary school teacher who performs seasonally as a Santa Claus character, identified by Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey as 64-year-old Mark Paulino, was arrested on allegations of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, detectives from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit discovered inappropriate material linked to Paulino on Dec. 4. Prosecutors announced charges on Dec. 8: one count of second-degree distribution of CSAM, one count of second-degree possession with intent to distribute CSAM, one count of third-degree possession of CSAM, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Because Paulino regularly engages with young children in his role as a Santa character—appearing for photographs and at private, corporate and organizational events—Prosecutor Marbrey said investigators moved quickly to obtain a search warrant. On Dec. 5 the office secured a warrant with assistance from its Economic Crime, Cyber Crimes and Domestic Violence units and the Hamilton Police SWAT team.

Officials said investigators seized "multiple items of evidentiary value" and took Paulino into custody without incident. If convicted on the second-degree counts, he faces five to 10 years in state prison and fines of up to $150,000 for each second-degree offense. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about Paulino is asked to contact the prosecutor’s ICAC Unit at (609) 989-6568. Tips may also be submitted anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com. If you suspect child abuse, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or visit www.childhelp.org; calls are toll-free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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