December 22, 2025 - by Herman Law
Mark Paulino, a retired Hamilton Township elementary school teacher who worked as a Santa Claus performer, has been arrested on child sexual abuse material charges. Paulino, 64, was taken into custody on December 6, 2025, after authorities say he uploaded multiple files of child sexual abuse material to the internet.
According to Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, detectives were alerted by the New Jersey State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit on December 5 that someone in Hamilton Township had uploaded suspected child sexual abuse material online. Investigators identified Paulino as the suspect and discovered he was marketing himself as a Santa performer available for hire at events and for photographs.
Given that Paulino was actively working with children in his Santa role, investigators moved quickly to secure a search warrant. On December 6, law enforcement executed that warrant at his Hamilton home, seizing multiple items and arresting him.
Paulino faces serious charges: one count of second-degree distribution of child sexual abuse material, one count of second-degree possession with intent to distribute such material, one count of third-degree possession of that material, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The second-degree charges carry a potential sentence of five to ten years in prison and fines up to $150,000.
Paulino maintained a website promoting his Santa services. In his biography, he described beginning his work with children in 1984 as a substitute teacher, later serving as a lifeguard and swimming instructor, and working as a contracted special education teacher before retiring in 2021.
Cases involving individuals who work closely with children are particularly concerning because these positions inherently involve trust. Whether as teachers, coaches, religious leaders, or community figures like Santa performers, adults in these roles have unique access to children and the authority that comes with those positions. When that trust is violated, the impact extends beyond individual victims to entire communities that relied on institutions to keep children safe.
Prosecutor Marbrey has filed a motion to detain Paulino pending trial and is asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at 609-989-6568.
At Herman Law, we know that child sexual abuse often involves failures by institutions that should have protected children. While criminal cases address the perpetrator’s actions, civil litigation can hold organizations accountable when they fail in their duty to safeguard the children in their care.
If you experienced sexual abuse by a teacher, school employee, or another individual in a position of trust, you may have legal options. Civil claims can provide resources for therapy and healing while creating systemic change that protects future children.
Contact Herman Law today for a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team. When you’re ready to talk, we’re here to listen.
Sources
Dougherty, T. (2024, December 10). Ex-New Jersey teacher and Santa actor arrested on child porn charges, prosecutors say. CBS Philadelphia. https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/mark-paulino-new-jersey-teacher-santa-child-porn/
Moran, R. (2024, December 8). Retired New Jersey school teacher who performs as Santa Claus charged with distributing child porn. The Philadelphia Inquirer. https://www.inquirer.com/crime/new-jersey-retired-teacher-santa-child-porn-20251208.html
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by an attorney at Herman Law, with legal experience in helping victims of sexual abuse.
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