A 75-year-old New Orleans man who legally changed his name to Santa Claus was jailed following an undercover sting operation in the suburb of Kenner over the weekend.
Authorities allege the suspect used a dating application to arrange a sexual encounter with someone he believed to be an underage boy.
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According to The Guardian, the suspect initiated contact via the app with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy.
The cybercrimes division of the Kenner Police Department conducted the operation, which led to the apprehension of 11 suspects in total.
The Kenner agency stated that Claus explicitly discussed engaging in sexual acts with a person he believed was below the legal age of consent.
He later arranged an in-person meeting in Kenner and surrendered without resistance when confronted by investigators at the designated location.
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The suspect faces formal charges of illegal computer-aided solicitation of a minor and indecent behavior with a juvenile.
Charges against other individuals captured during the sting include criminal grooming behavior, while warrants have been issued for 10 additional suspects.
According to police records, Claus remained jailed as of Tuesday morning, and bail information was not immediately available.
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Police officials confirmed the suspect lived in Texas under his original name, George Quigley, before relocating to New Orleans and legally changing his name.
