75-Year-Old Santa Claus Suspect Faces Felony Charges for Alleged Online Sexual Encounters with Minors

75-year-old Santa Claus suspect arrested for alleged online sexual encounters with minors. Investigation continues in Ticonderoga.

Editorial Desk

September 18, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Ticonderoga, United States — A 75-year-old man who played Santa Claus at a Christmas-themed attraction has been charged with multiple felonies after allegedly attempting to arrange sexual meetings with children online.

Clarence Russell of Paul Smiths, New York, was taken into custody on September 5 by Ticonderoga Police. Authorities allege that he engaged in digital conversations where he believed he was setting up meetings with minors. He is now facing charges of attempted second-degree rape and endangering the welfare of a child.

📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES

👉 READ BY CLICKING HERE

Russell, who worked as a seasonal Santa at Santa’s Workshop in Wilmington, New York, for about a decade, was released on his own recognizance. His court appearance is scheduled for September 23. Family members revealed that he had a prior conviction for sexual misconduct in 1993, which they said was well-known within the family.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

Author

Editorial Desk

Policy Wire is your go-to editorial hub for insightful perspectives and informed analysis on pressing policy issues, both regionally and globally. Over the years, Policy Wire has collaborated with leading international news agencies—including AFP, AP, Reuters, and others—to provide fact-based reporting and nuanced commentary. With a commitment to clarity and credibility, we aim to bridge the gap between complex policy debates and public understanding, ensuring that our readers stay informed on the issues shaping the world today.