Pascagoula man, man named Santa Claus arrested in child exploitation sting in Louisiana

KENNER, LA (WXXV)- A Pascagoula man is among dozens of people arrested during a recent child exploitation sting in southeast Louisiana including a man with the legal name of Santa Claus.

The operation resulted in 37 criminal charges with 21 people now facing child-exploitation related offenses, including computer aided solicitation of a minor and grooming.

Kenner Police say 43-year-old Melvin Walker of Pascagoula was taken into custody after being accused of trying to exploit children online.

Also drawing national attention, one of those arrested is a 75-year-old New Orleans man whose legal name is Santa Claus.

Police say he allegedly believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old boy online, arranged to meet the child for sex and was arrested when he arrived at the meeting location.

Authorities say the suspect also portrayed himself as Santa Claus.