'Santa Claus' arrested for targeting minor boy via dating app

A man named 'Santa Claus' has been arrested in US for alleged sexual crimes against minor. The 75-year old, who legally changed his name to Santa Claus was caught in a sting operation where he thought he was contacting a 15-year old boy through a dating app.

Claus made contact through the app with the boy, who was actually an undercover cop, said a statement from police in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner. According to the Kenner Police Department, the suspect, who presented himself as Santa Claus, engaged in explicit online conversations, sent nude photos of himself, and ultimately showed up for the pre-arranged meeting at a location in Kenner, near New Orleans’ international airport. He was taken into custody without incident.

Agency’s police chief, Keith Conley, told the Guardian that the suspect “takes on the persona of the Christmas Santa Claus” and has posed for photos with young children. “This is a cautionary tale to parents and guardians,” he added, referencing the common tradition of children posing with Santa.

The suspect, whose legal name was previously George Quigley, had lived in Texas before moving to New Orleans. He now faces charges of illegal computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile. He was one of 11 people arrested during the multi-agency sting operation. Police obtained warrants for an additional 10 suspects who were not immediately taken into custody.