This Santa has landed himself on the darkest version of the naughty list.
A longtime Santa Claus impersonator in Florida—who spent years posing for photos with kids and playing the role of jolly old St. Nick—has been arrested in a disturbing undercover child predator sting.
Authorities say 68-year-old Thomas Allen Hicks, a white-bearded performer and preacher of more than 40 years, responded to an online ad that was actually set up by law enforcement. According to Grady Judd, the ad was posted by an undercover detective posing as a parent offering access to a 13-year-old girl.
Investigators say Hicks agreed to pay $200 and allegedly described in graphic detail what he intended to do, even promising to be “gentle.” That’s when deputies moved in and arrested him.
“I talked to the real Santa Claus today, and he’s pissed,” Judd said during a press conference, adding that cases like this tarnish the image of the beloved holiday figure.
What makes the case even more shocking is Hicks’ background. He had reportedly been married for over 50 years and was considered “well-regarded” in the professional Santa community. For at least a decade, he also portrayed Santa at the Lakeland Christmas parade—meaning countless children had interacted with him over the years.
“Thousands and thousands of children have sat on this guy’s lap thinking he was Santa Claus,” Judd said. “When in fact, what he was is a child predator.”
Hicks worked at Tri-County Behavioral Health, a mental health and substance abuse clinic in Polk County, but was fired immediately following his arrest. The organization said he did not have access to patient data involving children during his time there.
According to investigators, Hicks allegedly admitted he was attracted to the girl in the ad and chose to pursue the meeting despite suspecting it could be a setup. Authorities also claim he told detectives he had a long history of soliciting prostitutes online, despite his decades-long marriage.
He now faces multiple serious charges, including human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, and using a computer to seduce a child.
Hicks wasn’t the only one caught in the sweep. The operation—dubbed “Operation Child Protector VIII”—resulted in the arrest of 19 men across several Florida counties. Police say 16 of them believed they were communicating with minors or their guardians and traveled to meet for sex, while others allegedly sent explicit images.
In total, the suspects are facing a staggering 85 felony charges and 8 misdemeanors. Officials also revealed that several of those arrested are married, and some are military veterans.
Lock Him Up and chop off his biden!
Boy, I can’t image how his poor wife and family feel! What a putz. Say bye, Gramps. They’re gonna love you in jail!