Man Legally Named Santa Claus Among 11 Arrested in Kenner Child Exploitation Investigation
KENNER, La. - It's a sad day in America when Santa Claus gets arrested.
A 75-year-old New Orleans man whose legal name is Santa Claus has been arrested by Kenner Police as part of an undercover child exploitation sting operation.
What Investigators Allege Happened
Police said Claus used a dating application to contact someone he believed was a 15-year-old boy but who was actually an undercover detective. Investigators allege Claus discussed engaging in sexual acts with the child and arranged to meet him in person at a location in Kenner. When Claus arrived for the meeting, he was taken into custody without incident.
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Claus faces charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, and grooming.
Kenner Police Chief: 'This Is a Cautionary Tale to Parents and Guardians'
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley noted the unsettling nature of the arrest given Claus's appearance and persona. "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," Conley said. "This is a cautionary tale to parents and guardians."
11 Total Arrests in Sting Operation
Claus was one of 11 people arrested as part of a broader weekend operation conducted by the department's Cyber Crimes unit targeting child exploitation. Those arrested include:
- Jonathan Akers, 31, of New Orleans
- Francisco Amaya-Paguada, 48, of Baton Rouge
- Christopher Fava, 45, of Metairie
- Mario Herrera-Zeledon, 44, of Kenner
- Jamal Landry, 34, of New Orleans
- Carlos Lopez-Reyes, 29, of Kenner
- Michael Lousteau, 23, of Luling
- Johnny Pierre, 31, of New Orleans
- Faustino Salanicsam, 57, of Kenner
- Melvin Walker, 43, of Pascagoula, Mississippi
Ten Additional Suspects Remain Wanted
Ten additional suspects remain wanted in connection with computer-aided solicitation and related offenses.
Conley said investigators will continue working to identify and prosecute predators before they can victimize children.
Lafayette Parish Correctional Center Bookings/Arrests
Gallery Credit: BernadetteLee