So, this isn’t our usual boring old fraud story, but it should serve as a reminder that even the most innocuous-seeming of campaigns can have a dark side. As such, we caution you to donate carefully. But duh.
Reynaldo Ramirez of Corpus Christi, TX was arrested late last year for distribution of child pornography. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release said the case began when authorities were able to successfully download various files containing child pornography from an Internet Protocol address that was associated with Ramirez. Authorities executed a search warrant at Ramirez’s residence, at which time they seized several digital devices. At the time of the search, authorities located a Santa Claus costume in Ramirez’s residence. When questioned about the outfit, Ramirez stated he had performed as Santa Claus for the past 15 years throughout the South Texas area, according to the allegations.
He pleaded guilty to the charge earlier this year, and last week was sentenced to the maximum 20 years he faced.
Interestingly, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported last year (before this website existed, natch) that the ‘Santa performer’ appeared to have a GoFundMe campaign up to fund his Santa performing:
A man named Reynaldo Ramirez created a GoFundMe account on Nov. 3 asking for money to continue impersonating Santa Claus at area events. He also requested donations of gently used toys, clothes, shoes and blankets. So far, $5 has been donated.
And here I thought Santas got paid for their efforts? Apparently not.
“Every year I pick and visit 5 families in need. I bring them toys, food bag and clothes. This year I was planning on helping 10 families but have fallen short of funds,” he wrote on the GoFundMe campaign description. The Houston Chronicle reported that he sought $250.
I guess we know who will be getting coal this year! And by coal, I mean a fist up his backside from his cellmate Bubba. Rot in hell, buddy.