Clarence V. Russell, 75, a Santa Claus impersonator from Paul Smiths who worked at Santa's Workshop in North Pole, N.Y., was arrested on Sept. 5 after police say he tried to solicit sex from a minor online. He faces charges including attempted second-degree rape of a victim under 15 and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. The Ticonderoga Police Department says the investigation is ongoing and asks anyone with information to call 518-585-3456.
Upstate New York Santa Impersonator Arrested After Alleged Online Solicitation of a Minor
Credit: Ticonderoga Police Department/Facebook
A 75-year-old man who worked as a Santa Claus impersonator at a Christmas attraction in the hamlet of North Pole, N.Y., was arrested after authorities say he attempted to solicit sex from a minor online.
Arrest and Charges
Police identified the suspect as Clarence V. Russell of Paul Smiths. According to a Ticonderoga Police Department press release, Russell was taken into custody on Sept. 5 after investigators say he was communicating online in an effort to arrange sexual encounters with minors. He is charged with attempted second-degree rape of a victim under 15 and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. All allegations are unproven and Russell is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Credit: HUM Images/Universal Images Group via Getty
Background
Family members told NBC5 that Russell, described as a bald man with a long white beard, had worked as a Santa Claus impersonator at Santa's Workshop, the Christmas-themed attraction in the North Pole community of New York. It was not immediately clear whether Russell has entered a plea or retained legal counsel.
Ongoing Investigation
The Ticonderoga Police Department said the investigation remains active and asked anyone with information to contact detectives at 518-585-3456. Authorities are developing leads and seeking additional information from the public.
Context
Officials noted a separate high-profile case earlier this year in Louisiana where a 75-year-old man who had legally changed his name to 'Santa Claus' was arrested after allegedly attempting to meet what he believed was a teenage boy. That case highlighted ongoing law enforcement efforts to detect and deter adults seeking sexual contact with minors online.
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