Man Who Legally Changed His Name to Santa Claus Arrested in Child Predator Sting

A Name That Once Brought Joy Now Carries a Darker Meaning

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. The case, which drew national attention almost immediately, is as disturbing as it is surreal — a man who not only bore the name of a beloved holiday figure but apparently lived the part, complete with the look.

Claus showed up wearing a red shirt, red jacket, and red pants. He also had a white beard. Kenner police noted in a statement that "his physical appearance indicates he does take on the persona of the Santa Claus which is alarming considering he was attempting to have sex with a boy." Investigators uncovered images indicating the man has worked at some point as a "Santa Claus," though police couldn't solidly confirm his employment history or where he might have performed those services.

How the Sting Unfolded

Investigators say Claus allegedly contacted an undercover detective through a dating app, believing he was communicating with a 15-year-old boy. During their conversations, Claus allegedly discussed engaging in sexual acts with the child before arranging to meet the juvenile in Kenner. Police say Claus had explicit conversations about engaging in sex acts with the boy and eventually made plans to meet in person in Kenner, about 13 miles west of the Big Easy, where he was met by detectives and arrested without incident.

Santa Claus, 75, of New Orleans, was arrested Friday, June 26, 2026, and booked with computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile, Kenner police said. He was being held without bail Monday at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna. Agents confirmed that Claus legally changed his name to match the Christmas figure, though investigators said they don't know when and where he did so.

Part of a Much Larger Operation

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. The other 10 suspects arrested by Kenner police were booked on similar charges, including indecent behavior-grooming.

Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said, "All these defendants are a danger to our youth and society." He added: "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."

A Warning About Online Dangers

The bizarre details of this case — the name, the costume, the persona — risk overshadowing a serious and growing threat. Online predators routinely use dating apps and social media platforms to target minors, often hiding behind anonymous or misleading identities. As Chief Conley warned: "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 victimize a child."

With 10 suspects still wanted on outstanding warrants, Kenner's Cyber Crimes unit has made clear this operation is far from over. For parents, the case is a stark reminder that predators can hide behind the most disarming of disguises — even one as universally trusted as Santa Claus himself.