Well-known Santa Claus in Central Florida among 19 arrested in child predator sting

POLK COUNTY, Fla. — During a multi-day undercover operation by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, nineteen suspects were arrested for allegedly attempting to meet minors for sexual encounters.The operation, called “Operation Child Protector VIII,” involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Auburndale Police Department, Davenport Police Department, Lake City Police Department, Orlando Police Department, and several sheriff’s offices and state divisions.According to officials, 19 suspects were arrested and collectively face 85 felony charges and 8 misdemeanors.Below is a list of those arrested, including their names and ages:Tyler Berrie, 33Trenton Berry, 51Noah Berumen, 33 (Orlando)Gheorghe Bradley, 39Alan Brown Jr., 21Joshua Sanchez Bullard, 35Hongkun Cheng, 24Clinton Dees, 38David Esquivel, 57Noah Geraci, 27Derek Heard, 34Thomas Hicks, 68Lonnie Hill Sr., 62Robert Johnson, 62Saulo Jurado-Rodriguez, 18Ahmed Morsi, 36Josue Negron, 27George Thomas Jr., 57Joshua Velez, 35Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd highlighted the unusual nature of the arrest of Thomas Hicks, a well-known for-hire Santa Claus, during a public statement, saying, “Speaking of believing, we even arrested Santa Claus during this undercover operation.”SEE THE ENTIRE PRESSER BELOW:The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.©2026 Cox Media Group