Trusted Santa ARRESTED — Horrifying Child Predator Sting

(DailyChive.com) – A beloved Central Florida Santa Claus, trusted by thousands of children, stands accused of offering $200 for sex with a 13-year-old girl in a shocking undercover sting.

Story Highlights

Thomas Allen Hicks, 68, known as a for-hire Santa at events like the Lakeland Christmas parade, arrested in Operation Child Protector VIII.
Hicks responded to a prostitution site ad by undercover detectives posing as a minor’s guardian, explicitly describing sex acts while promising to be “gentle.”
Sheriff Grady Judd exposed the predator: “Thousands of children sat on this guy’s lap thinking he was Santa Claus when he was a child sex predator.”
Operation netted 19 arrests, 85 felonies, highlighting dangers lurking in trusted community roles.

Details of the Arrest

Polk County Sheriff’s Office launched Operation Child Protector VIII on April 20, 2026, targeting child predators on prostitution sites. Thomas Allen Hicks, 68, from Polk County, responded to an ad posted by detectives posing as a 13-year-old girl’s guardian. He offered $200 for sex, detailing explicit acts and assuring gentleness. Hicks drove to the meetup location on April 26, leading to his immediate arrest. Charges include human trafficking, traveling to meet a minor, using a computer to seduce a child, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

Shocking Double Life Exposed

Hicks portrayed Santa Claus for over a decade at community events, including the Lakeland Christmas parade, where children sat on his lap. He worked in marketing for Tri-County Behavioral Health and claimed 40 years as a preacher with a 50-year marriage. Despite suspicions of a sting, Hicks admitted intrigue toward the “petite” minor and frequented prostitution sites. Sheriff Judd revealed this during the April 30 press conference, stating, “We arrested Santa Claus,” underscoring the betrayal of public trust by those in authority figures.

Among 19 arrested, seven were married, three veterans, with 16 charged for traveling to meet minors and three for human trafficking via payments. The multi-agency effort involved Auburndale PD, Davenport PD, Lake City PD, Orlando PD, and Florida DFS, yielding 85 felonies and eight misdemeanors.

Sheriff Judd’s Firm Stance

Sheriff Grady Judd announced results on April 30, 2026, emphasizing law enforcement’s commitment to child safety. “He’s not going to be Santa Claus this next year. That’s over with,” Judd declared, reassuring children: “It’s not the real Santa Claus.” The operation built on seven prior stings, addressing Florida’s high online predation risks. Judd highlighted Hicks’ respected status, once posing for a photo with him, revealing how predators hide behind community roles.

DISGUSTING: Popular 'Polk County Santa' Busted in Massive Florida Child Sex Sting, Tried Paying $200 to Have Sex with 13-Year-Old | The Gateway Pundit | by Cassandra MacDonald https://t.co/HrZ74u0M8f

— Ceil Harben (@charben13) April 30, 2026

This case erodes faith in public figures, prompting calls for vetting event hires like holiday characters. Families in Polk County, including Winter Haven and Lakeland, face lasting shock after Hicks’ exposure. His wife, employer, and parade organizers bear immediate fallout, while heightened awareness may deter future predators through aggressive stings.