Retired New Jersey teacher who worked as ‘Santa Mark’ arrested on child exploitation charges
A retired elementary school teacher from Hamilton Township — who also booked gigs as a Santa Claus performer — has been arrested following a child-exploitation investigation by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced that 64-year-old Mark Paulino faces multiple charges, including second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, possession with intent to distribute, third-degree possession, and endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors have moved to keep him detained while the case proceeds.
The investigation began the evening of December 4, when New Jersey State Police alerted Mercer County’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit that someone in Hamilton Township had uploaded several files of suspected child sexual abuse material. Detectives quickly identified Paulino as the suspect.
Paulino, who recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District, advertised himself online as “Santa Mark,” offering photo ops, sing-alongs, and appearances at schools, businesses, and private events. Because of his close interaction with children in that role, investigators worked through the night to secure a search warrant.
On December 5, detectives from multiple units — including ICAC, Economic Crime, Cyber Crimes, Domestic Violence, and the Hamilton Police SWAT team — executed the warrant at Paulino’s home. Authorities say they seized several pieces of evidence and took Paulino into custody without incident.
Second-degree charges in New Jersey carry five to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are urging anyone with information or concerns to contact the Mercer County ICAC Unit at (609) 989-6568 or submit an anonymous tip through the prosecutor’s website.
For more on the alleged Bad Santa Mark, see the video below.
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(Source and booking photo: Office of the Mercer County Prosecutor)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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