Retired Hamilton Township School Teacher & Part-Time Santa Charged With Child Pornography

Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 11:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ.- Last Friday afternoon, following an around-the-clock investigation, a 64-year-old Hamilton Township, New Jersey,  man, and retired Hamilton Township Elementary School teacher, currently employed as a Santa character, was taken into custody and jailed after being charged with child pornography offenses.

     According to Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey, Mark Paulino, 64, of Hamilton Township, New Jersey, was formally charged with one count of second-degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Child Pornography; and one count of third-degree Possession of Child Pornography. 

     Paulino was taken into custody on Friday, December 5, 2025. He was processed on the charges and was remanded to the Mercer County Correctional Center pending future court proceedings in Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton, New Jersey. The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion with the court to detain Paulino pending trial.

The Arrest And Charges Stem From An Child Porn Investigation

     The arrest and charges stem from an investigation that began on Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, when Detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit received information from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, regarding an individual residing in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, who had been utilizing the internet to upload media files containing the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

     During the ensuing investigation, Detectives quickly identified Paulino as the individual. A subsequent internet search of Paulino’s website uncovered that he had recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District, where he had worked as an elementary teacher. Detectives further uncovered that Paulino was currently working as a Santa Claus for photographs, corporate, and organizational events.

     Following uncovering that Paulino was actively involved with young children in his role as Santa Claus, Detectives worked around the clock to obtain a court-authorized search warrant. On Friday afternoon, December 5, 2025, Detectives of the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Hamilton Township Police Department executed a search warrant at Paulino’s Hamilton Township home. 

     During the search, Investigators seized multiple electronic devices that contained digital images and video files of child pornography. Paulino was taken into custody at that time.

     If convicted at trial, Paulino faces up to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison, and would be subject to parole supervision for life and be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law registration requirements.

     The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Unit at (609) 989-6568 or www.mercercountyprosecutor.com.

“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”