Retired Teacher Arrested on Child Abuse Charges

A retired New Jersey elementary schoolteacher, 64-year-old Mark Paulino, has been arrested on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material after investigators traced illicit uploads back to him. The charges include second-degree distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material, as well as endangering the welfare of a child. The investigation, initiated by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, led to a search of his home, where evidence was seized. Paulino, who has portrayed Santa at various events, is now in custody, and prosecutors are seeking to detain him pending trial.

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