‘Santa Claus’ cuffed in undercover sting targeting child sex predators, sheriff says
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Thomas Allen Hicks, a 68-year-old Florida man who portrayed Santa Claus, was arrested in an undercover sting operation after allegedly attempting to pay $200 for sex with a 13-year-old girl. The operation, led by the Polk County Sheriff's Office, resulted in 19 arrests and 85 felony charges related to attempted sex with minors. The undercover operation involved a fake online ad in which a deputy posed as a parent offering their child for sex.
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Florida ‘Santa Claus’ cuffed in undercover sting targeting child sex predators, sheriff says Thomas Allen Hicks was one of 19 suspects arrested in a multi-day joint operation that brought 85 felony charges By Kelsie Cairns Fox News Published May 1, 2026 9:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Florida man who played Santa arrested in sting Thomas Hicks was arrested in an undercover human trafficking sting in Polk County, Florida, police said. (Polk County Sheriff's Office) NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Polk County, Florida man who often plays Santa Claus is behind bars after deputies say he tried to meet up and have sex with an underage girl.
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