Clarence V. Russell, 75, was arrested on Sept. 5 after a Ticonderoga Police investigation found he allegedly solicited minors online and appeared to try to arrange physical meetings. He faces charges including attempted second-degree rape of a victim under 15 and attempted endangering of the welfare of a child. Russell previously worked at Santa's Workshop in North Pole, NY, which says he is no longer employed there.
Former 'Santa' From North Pole-Themed Park Arrested Over Alleged Online Solicitation Of Minors
The Ticonderoga Police Department; Santa's Workshop, North Pole, NY/Facebook
Clarence V. Russell, a 75-year-old man who previously worked as a Santa Claus impersonator at a North Pole–themed holiday attraction, was arrested in early September after a police investigation found he allegedly solicited minors online.
Investigation and Arrest
The Ticonderoga Police Department in New York said in a press release shared on September 16 that Russell was taken into custody on September 5. Investigators say he communicated with minors via the internet and appeared to be attempting to arrange inappropriate in-person meetings.
YouTube/CBS6 Albany
Charges
Russell was charged with attempted rape in the second degree of a victim under 15 years old and attempted endangering the welfare of a child. The police report did not specify the gender of the alleged victims.
Employment History
Local reports, including CBS 6 and NBC 5, say Russell previously worked as a Santa impersonator at Santa's Workshop, a North Pole–themed Christmas attraction for children that first opened in July 1949. In a statement provided to media, a representative of Santa's Workshop said, "Clarence Russell has not been employed by Santa's Workshop North Pole, NY, since 2025. He is no longer affiliated with our organization in any capacity." (The year in that statement appears unusual in the timeline of reporting and may be a typographical error.)
Current Status
At the time of the reports it was not clear whether Russell had entered a plea or retained legal counsel to speak on his behalf. Police released a photo that shows Russell as a bald man with a large white beard.
Notes: The allegations are those made by law enforcement and charges have been filed. As with any criminal case, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Help us improve.
