New Orleans’ Santa Claus allegedly tried meeting 15yo from a dating app. He didn’t know he was walking into a trap

The Kenner Police Department arrested a 75-year-old man legally named Santa Claus on felony child exploitation charges during a multi-agency undercover sting operation in the New Orleans area. Police allege Claus was using a dating app in an attempt to solicit a minor for sex, but unbeknownst to him, the “minor” un question was actually an undercover detective.

According to The Sun, Claus allegedly contacted an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old on a dating app. As the two conversed, Claus allegedly sent sexually explicit messages describing acts he intended to carry out with the “minor.” Eventually, the 75-year-old suggested a meeting place. When he arrived, he found officers waiting for him and was arrested without incident. Now, he is facing serious charges and could be looking at a prison sentence that keeps him behind bars well into his 90s.

He embraced the Santa Claus persona

Claus originally went by the name George Quigley and lived in Texas before relocating to the New Orleans area. At some point in his life, he legally changed his name to Santa Claus, while naturally bearing a striking resemblance to the holiday figure.

Police noted, “His physical appearance indicates he does take on the persona of Santa Claus, which is alarming considering he was attempting to have sex with a boy.” He reportedly embraced that persona by attending parties and posing for photographs with children, many of whom sat on his lap.

The Kenner Police Department has a specialized Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force dedicated to protecting minors from online exploitation. During its latest operation, the unit arrested 11 individuals. Investigators also secured 10 additional warrants as they continue pursuing others they believe to be online predators, including Claus.

Claus is currently being held at the Jefferson Parish Jail, where he faces charges of computer-aided solicitation of a minor, indecent behavior with a minor, and criminal grooming. He is being held without bond.

According to the Louisiana State Legislature, if Claus is convicted on all charges, he could face a combined maximum sentence of 17 years in prison. However, the outcome of the case will ultimately depend on how the legal proceedings unfold, including whether any plea agreement is reached.

Regardless of how the case is resolved or how much prison time Claus ultimately serves, a conviction would likely require him to register as a sex offender for life.

Cautionary tale

Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley used the case to urge parents to closely monitor what their children are doing online.

“All these defendants are a danger to our youth and society. We preach daily about the vulnerability of our children on social media and gaming platforms, and now we have arrested a person who dresses up as Santa Claus, inviting parents to drop their young children in his lap for photo ops. This is a cautionary tale to parents and guardians.”

Conley wasn’t just highlighting the dangers of the internet. He was also urging parents to conduct background checks on anyone they hire or trust to spend time around their children whenever possible.