KENNER, Louisiana: Santa Claus arrest followed an undercover child exploitation operation after police said the 75-year-old arranged to meet a detective posing as a 15-year-old boy.
The Kenner Police Department said Claus, of New Orleans, was arrested on June 26. Police charged him with computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behaviour with a juvenile.
PEOPLE reported that jail records showed Claus was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Centre on the same day. The outlet said the bond was set at USD 20,000 on each charge.
Police alleged Claus contacted an undercover detective through a dating app and discussed sexual acts before arranging a meeting.
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Detectives arrested him without incident upon his arrival at the agreed location. The arrest was part of an undercover operation by the Kenner Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, ICAC/Cyber Crimes Unit. Police said the operation led to 11 arrests and 37 charges.
Kenner Police Chief Keith A. Conley said the case showed the risks children face on social media, gaming platforms and other online services.
