NEW ORLEANS (WVUE/Gray News) – A man named Santa Claus was among 11 people arrested in an undercover sting targeting alleged child predators.
The Kenner Police Department announced the arrest of 75-year-old Claus on Monday.
The department said 11 suspects were arrested and 10 others remain wanted on child-exploitation accusations.
Claus, who “obtained the legal name of Santa Claus,” was arrested after using a dating app to contact who he believed to be a 15-year-old boy but who was actually an undercover detective, according to investigators.
Investigators said Claus discussed engaging in sexual acts with the child and arranged to meet him in person.
When Claus arrived for the meeting, he was arrested by detectives without incident, the department said.
Claus faces allegations of indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation of a minor, the department said.
“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,” Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said.
Others arrested in the same child exploitation operation include:
- Jonathan Akers, 31, of New Orleans
- Francisco Amaya-Paguada, 48, of Baton Rouge, La.
- Christopher Fava, 45, of Metairie, La.
- Mario Herrera-Zeledon, 44, of Kenner, La.
- Jamal Landry, 34, of New Orleans
- Carlos Lopez-Reyes, 29, of Kenner, La.
- Michael Lousteau, 23, of Luling, La.
- Johnny Pierre, 31, of New Orleans
- Faustino Salanicsam, 57, of Kenner, La.
- Melvin Walker, 43, of Pascagoula, Miss.
The allegations against the suspects were not detailed.
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