[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content] The holidays are supposed to be a time when childhood magic feels real again, and the sight of Santa should bring joy, not fear. But this week, a story out of New Jersey has shaken that sense of safety to its core. Authorities in the city of Hamilton Township arrested 64-year-old Mark Paulino (above, in his mugshot) on accusations of child pornography possession late last week. Paulino had spent decades working with children, both as a former elementary school teacher and in recent years after reinventing himself as a Santa-for-hire. In that Christmastime gig, he'd offer his Santa lookalike services for photos, parties, and events. And now... Related: Mormon Wives' Chase McWhorter Owns Up To DUI & Cocaine Possession Arrest Per Us Weekly and others, investigators executed the arrest on Friday after receiving a tip one day prior. Someone in Paulino's town had allegedly been uploading multiple files to the internet filled with child sexual abuse material. Police moved quickly, and a multi-agency task force descended on Paulino's home, where he was taken into custody. Inside the home, investigators seized electronics and other potential evidence. Sources told Us Weekly that the investigation remains ongoing this week, too. Now, Paulino faces multiple counts, including distribution of child sexual abuse material, possession with intent to distribute, simple possession, and endangering the welfare of a child. Just the distribution charges alone could put him behind bars for 20 years. While officials have kept quiet about the exact digital trail that led them to his front door, Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey revealed that Paulino's career and holiday side business raised immediate concern for detectives. In a statement, the prosecutor said: "According to his website, Paulino recently retired from the Hamilton Township School District as an elementary school teacher and is now a Santa character available for photographs and private, corporate and organizational events. Due to his active engagement with young children in that role, detectives worked around the clock to obtain a search warrant." Perhaps most heartbreaking is how Paulino described himself on his own website, as Marbrey referenced. On it, he recounted a long career centered around children, beginning in 1984 as a substitute teacher before becoming a lifeguard, swim instructor, and eventually a special education teacher. UGH. He portrayed his post-retirement Santa work as a lifelong dream finally realized, too. In his own words: "My love of dogs has led me to dog sitting/dog walking. Now, I'm pursuing my lifelong wish to be Santa Claus." He also painted a portrait of a family man: married to another educator, proud father of two grown sons, outdoors enthusiast, football fan. His website even featured videos of him fully suited as Santa, smiling and welcoming children with the warmth people expect from a holiday icon. Related: Bonnie Blue Reportedly ARRESTED In Bali For Sex Stunt With 'Barely Legal' Guys! But beneath that carefully crafted image, investigators now allege something far more sinister was going on. And with Paulino currently held without bond while awaiting trial, the community is processing the shock of realizing that someone who appeared so dedicated to children may have been hiding something horrific. Creepy... If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and would like to learn more about resources, consider checking out https://www.rainn.org/resources. [Image via Mercer County Prosecutor's Office] The post Santa-For-Hire Accused Of Child Pornography Was Also An Elementary School Teacher -- WTF appeared first on Perez Hilton.