Florida “Santa” Performer Arrested in Child Sex Sting as 19 Men Charged in Polk County Operation
A major child exploitation sting in Central Florida has led to 19 arrests, including a 68-year-old man known locally for portraying Santa Claus at community events, authorities confirmed Wednesday.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Thomas Allen Hicks, accusing him of attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. The arrest was part of a week-long undercover operation targeting online predators attempting to meet minors for sex.
Sheriff Grady Judd said Hicks communicated with an undercover detective posing as a child’s guardian and allegedly offered $200 in exchange for sex with the minor, while describing explicit acts he intended to carry out.
“It’s scary because this guy was well respected in the community,” Judd said during a news conference, adding that he had personally seen Hicks at public events and even taken a photo with him.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Authorities say Hicks now faces several felony charges, including human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor for sex, using a computer to seduce a child, and using a two way communication device to commit a felony. Investigators allege the human trafficking charge applies because Hicks offered payment in exchange for sex with a minor, one of the most serious offenses under Florida law.
According to deputies, Hicks told investigators he had been married for more than 50 years and admitted to regularly using websites associated with prostitution.
19 Arrested in Undercover Operation
The arrests stem from “Operation Child Protector VIII,” a coordinated effort by law enforcement to identify individuals using the internet to solicit minors or those they believe have access to children.
Authorities say:
- 16 suspects attempted to meet minors or their guardians for sex
- 3 suspects sent explicit images to undercover detectives
- 3 suspects face human trafficking charges
- Several suspects traveled from outside Polk County
The suspects range in age from 18 to 62 and include individuals from across Florida and other states. Officials say seven of those arrested are married, and three are military veterans.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials say these types of operations are designed to intercept suspects before any real child is harmed, using undercover officers posing as minors or guardians online. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not indicated whether additional arrests are expected, but officials say investigations into online child exploitation remain ongoing.
This is a developing story tied to a broader crackdown on online child predators in Florida. Authorities say the operation highlights the continued risk posed by individuals attempting to exploit minors through digital platforms and the increasing role of proactive undercover enforcement in stopping those crimes before they happen.
