‘Santa Claus’ cuffed in sting targeting child sex predators

By The BriefBrief

A 68-year-old Polk County man who performs as Santa was arrested after allegedly offering $200 to have sex with a 13-year-old girl in an undercover sting.

WHO: Sheriff

WHAT: Arrest of a man in an undercover sting for alleged child sex predator activity

WHEN: May 1, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET

WHERE: Polk County, United States

WHY: He allegedly offered money to have sex with a 13-year-old girl during an undercover operation.

How this story developed (showing 6 of 6 earlier reports)

Sheriff Grady Judd names Jan. 6 participant in sting · May 1, 2026 at 5:08 PM ET
TikTok Influencer Craig Long Among 266 Arrested · May 1, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET
Two Men With Kids Charged in Polk Sex Sting · May 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET
Polk Sheriff to brief on sting with 266 arrests · Apr 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET
Florida sheriff details undercover child predator sting · Apr 30, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET
Polk County predator sting nets 19 arrests · Apr 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET

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