A Louisiana man who legally changed his name to “Santa Claus” has been arrested and accused of attempting to meet a person he believed was a 15-year-old boy for sex, according to police.
Santa Claus, 75, of New Orleans, was arrested last week as part of a child exploitation operation conducted by the Kenner Police Department.
According to police, Claus used a dating app to communicate with someone he believed was a 15-year-old boy. Investigators said the teenager was actually an undercover detective.
Authorities allege that Claus discussed engaging in sexual activity with the fictitious teen and later arranged to meet him in Kenner.
When Claus arrived at the meeting location, he was taken into custody, according to police.
He was booked on charges of computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile. His bond was set at $20,000 for each charge, according to the Kenner Police Department.
Police also noted that Claus physically resembles the iconic Christmas character.
“His physical appearance indicates he does take on the persona of the Santa Claus which is alarming considering he was attempting to have sex with a boy,” the Kenner Police Department said in a news release.
Photos released by authorities show Claus with a white beard and white hair, wearing red clothing.
According to Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, Claus was one of 12 people arrested during the child exploitation operation.
“All these defendants are a danger to our youth and society,” Conley said in a statement.
“We preach daily about the vulnerability of our children on social media and gaming platforms and now we have arrested a person who dresses up as Santa Claus, inviting parents to drop their young children in his lap for photo ops,” he continued. “This is a cautionary tale to parents and guardians.”
