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Retired N.J. Teacher and Santa Performer Charged in Child Sex Abuse Material Case

Prosecutors cite his child-facing Santa role as they seek to detain him before trial.

Overview

  • An alert from the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit on Dec. 4 flagged suspected uploads from Hamilton Township, leading detectives to identify 64-year-old Mark Paulino.
  • Investigators obtained an expedited warrant and on Dec. 5 searched Paulino’s home, seized multiple items of evidentiary value, and arrested him without incident.
  • Paulino is charged with second-degree distribution of CSAM, second-degree possession with intent to distribute, third-degree possession, and endangering the welfare of a child.
  • Prosecutors moved to detain him pending trial, noting potential penalties of five to 10 years in state prison and up to $150,000 in fines for the second-degree counts.
  • A criminal complaint reported by local outlets alleges he filmed a child in a bedroom and emailed the recording, as the investigation continues with authorities seeking public tips to the prosecutor’s ICAC Unit.