- A New Orleans man named Santa Claus was arrested in a child predator sting over the weekend.
- Claus allegedly contacted a Kenner police detective posing as a 15-year-old on a dating app.
KENNER, La. — A 75-year-old New Orleans man who legally changed his name to Santa Claus was among 11 people arrested during an undercover child exploitation operation over the weekend, according to the Kenner Police Department.
Investigators say Claus allegedly contacted an undercover detective through a dating app, believing he was communicating with a 15-year-old boy, according to a police department statement. During their conversations, Claus allegedly discussed engaging in sexual acts with the child before arranging to meet the juvenile in Kenner.
When Claus arrived at the predetermined meeting location, detectives arrested him without incident.
Police said Claus physically resembles the Santa Claus character and has portrayed the holiday figure, raising additional concerns because he allegedly sought to meet a child for sex.
"All these defendants are a danger to our youth and society," Kenner Police Chief Keith 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. This is a cautionary tale to parents and guardians."
Claus was booked on charges of computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
The arrest was part of an undercover operation conducted by the Kenner Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division ICAC/Cyber Crimes team targeting people accused of attempting to exploit children online.
Police said the operation resulted in 11 arrests, 10 outstanding arrest warrants, 37 criminal charges and 21 individuals facing child exploitation-related charges.
Authorities said the charges filed during the operation include computer-aided solicitation of a minor, indecent behavior with a juvenile and indecent behavior involving grooming.
"Anyone who uses the anonymity of the internet to exploit children should understand one thing: We are there too," Conley said. "Our investigators will continue to identify these predators, build strong cases, and bring them to justice before they have the opportunity to victimize a child."
All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
