Man legally named ‘Santa Claus’ arrested in child predator sting operation

He was one of 11 people arrested in a string of police operations last weekend with Claus now facing a slew of charges including the computer-aided solicitation of a minor

A man who legally changed his name to Santa Claus has been nicked by police in a sting operation targeting child predators, officers have confirmed.

The 75-year-old man from New Orleans, previously known as George Quigley, was photographed by police sporting a lengthy grey beard and wearing red clothing as he was apprehended.

Kenner Police revealed that Claus had been taken into custody after allegedly organising a face-to-face meeting with a detective who was pretending to be a 15-year-old boy.

He faces charges of illegal computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behaviour with a juvenile.

The force stated that Claus had “discussed engaging in sexual acts with the child and ultimately arranged to meet” in Kenner. However, when he turned up at the location he was greeted by detectives who arrested him, reports the Mirror.

He was amongst 11 individuals who were arrested in separate operations by Kenner Police last weekend.

A statement from Kenner Police on Facebook read: “Among those arrested was a person who has obtained the legal name of Santa Claus, 75, of New Orleans. The suspect initiated contact through a dating application with an undercover detective whom he believed to be a 15-year-old boy.

“During those conversations, he allegedly discussed engaging in sexual acts with the child and ultimately arranged to meet the juvenile in person in Kenner.

“When the suspect Clause arrived at the predetermined meeting location, detectives took him into custody without incident. His physical appearance indicates he does take on the persona of the Santa Clause which is alarming considering he was attempting to have sex with a boy.”

Chief Keith Conley stated: “All these defendants are a danger to our youth and society, 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 Clause inviting parents to drop their young children in his lap for photo ops, this is a cautionary tale to parents and guardians.”

Furthermore, Chief Conley added: “Anyone who uses the anonymity of the internet to exploit children should understand one thing-we are there too. Our investigators will continue to identify these predators, build strong cases, and bring them to justice before they have the opportunity to victimise a child.”