Man, 68, known for portraying Santa accused of trying to meet 13-year-old for sex: sheriff
Thomas Allen Hicks, a 68-year-old man known for portraying Santa Claus, was arrested for trying to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex as part of a sting operation called 'Operation Child Protector VIII'. Hicks was charged with human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, and other felonies.
A 68-year-old Florida man, Thomas Allen Hicks, known for portraying Santa Claus, was arrested during a week-long sting operation called 'Operation Child Protector VIII'. Hicks tried to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex and was charged with human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, use of computer to seduce a child, and use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony. He sent explicit messages to an undercover detective posing as a 13-year-old girl's guardian, offering $200 for sex. Hicks is in marketing for Tri-County Behavioral Health in Polk County and plays Santa Claus at various events. The operation resulted in 19 arrests, with suspects collectively charged with 85 felonies and 8 misdemeanors.
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