A former elementary school teacher, who now performs as Santa for photographs and area events, has been arrested on charges of having and sharing child pornography on the internet.
Law enforcement officials in Mercer County, New Jersey announced Monday that Mark Paulino, 64, of Hamilton Township, has been arrested and charged with possession and distribution on child sexual abuse materials as well as endangering the welfare of a child.
According to police, an investigation into Paulino began on Dec. 4, 2025, after detectives were alerted to an individual, allegedly, uploading images of child pornography at a home in Hamilton Township.
Officials said that an investigation determined Paulino to have been the subject involved in this incident.
Police say Paulino identified himself online as a recently retired elementary school teacher in the Hamilton Township School District and he now, allegedly, performs as Santa for “photographs and private, corporate and organizational events.”
Police said that, because of his potential to engage with young children in his performances as Santa, investigators “worked around the clock” to obtain a search warrant for Paulino’s home.
That search warrant was executed on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, and investigators “seized multiple items of evidentiary value,” while Paulino was taken into custody without incident, police said.
Following Paulino’s arrest, prosecutors said they have filed a motion to detain him, pending trial.
An investigation into Paulino remains ongoing.
Officials are asking anyone who may have information on this case to contact the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office’s ICAC Unit at 609-989-6568.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.
Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey also asks anyone with information about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children to please contact the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit at (609) 989-6568 or the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force tip line at (888) 648-6007.
This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as new information becomes available.
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