Overview
- Mark Paulino, 64, of Hamilton Township was charged with second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, second-degree possession with intent to distribute, third-degree possession, and endangering the welfare of a child.
- The New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit alerted Mercer County detectives after suspected CSAM files were uploaded from Hamilton Township.
- Detectives obtained a warrant overnight due to his public-facing role with children and executed it at his home Friday, seizing multiple items and taking him into custody without incident.
- Prosecutors filed a motion to detain him pending trial, and the second-degree counts carry potential penalties of five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000.
- Paulino retired from the Hamilton Township School District in 2021 and maintained a website advertising Santa appearances for photographs and events, according to prosecutors.