A Lakeland man who has played Santa Claus for roughly a decade in the city’s Christmas parades, waving and taking photos with thousands of children, is one of 19 people arrested in a recent child-sex sting conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas Allen Hicks, 68, was arrested on April 21 and faces felony charges, including human trafficking for forced sex trade of a child younger than 18, traveling to meet with and using a computer to solicit a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. The top charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison.
“This is a guy who is well known in Polk County, Central Florida and Lakeland as a for-hire Santa Claus,” Polk Sheriff Grady Judd said at a April 29 news conference. “It’s scary, as this guy was well respected in the community.”
Hicks responded to an online ad and texted back-and-forth with an undercover officer posing as the father of a 13-year-old girl who was being offered for sexual activity, according to an affidavit filed with Polk County Clerk of Court. The Sheriff’s Office said Hicks offered $200 for an hour with the girl. The text messages included a photo exchange, which was used to help identify Hicks.
Hicks spoke with Chris Hansen, former host of the TV series “How to Catch a Predator” immediately following his arrest, Judd said. Hansen will be appearing to talk to Fox News’ Jessie Watters Primetime at 8 p.m. April 29.
The Sheriff’s Office said Hicks works in marketing for Tri-County Human Services, a Lakeland-based nonprofit that provided services for individuals facing mental health issues, alcohol and drug addiction. He also served as a pastor, previously at First Alliance Church in Lakeland, according to a February 2022 report from Orlando Voyager.
Polk around and find out
Judd said there were 18 other people arrested during a weeklong sting operation titled “Polk around & Find Out” that occurred from April 20 to 26.
Of the 19 arrested, 16 traveled up to three hours with the intention of meeting up with a child to engage in illegal sexual activity, Judd said.
Those individuals who were arrested and reside in Polk include:
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland man who played city’s Santa among 19 arrested in PCSO sting
Reporting by Sara-Megan Walsh, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
