• child pornography

HAMILTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- A New Jersey man known for portraying Santa Claus at holiday events has been arrested on charges related to child pornography and endangering the welfare of a child, authorities said.

Mark Paulino, 64, was taken into custody Friday at his home in Hamilton Township. Neighbors said they saw police and a SWAT team at the residence during the arrest.

"It wasn't until we saw Mark taken away that we realized something was going on with him," said Kim Clayton, a neighbor. "He was such a nice guy. He played Santa. We knew he was a teacher. It was kind of disappointing."

Paulino, who goes by "Santa Mark," advertises holiday appearances on his website, offering "a little extra Christmas magic" for events. He is also a retired elementary school teacher from the Hamilton Township School District.

Authorities said they were alerted to alleged illegal internet activity Thursday and executed a warrant the following day because of his engagement with children.

According to court documents, Paulino is accused of filming a child in a bedroom and sending the video to himself or someone else.

A woman who answered the door at Paulino's listed address on Monday declined to comment. Residents expressed shock over the allegations.

"It's a terrible thing to hear about, especially this time of the year," said Gina Welsh of Hamilton Township, N.J. "I have grandsons and it's a sad thing."

Paulino remains in custody and is scheduled for a detention hearing Tuesday, where prosecutors will argue he should remain jailed during legal proceedings.

Attempts to reach him through contact information on his website were unsuccessful.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor's ICAC Unit at (609) 989-6568. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online at www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.