By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2026-09-16 20:51:41 | Updated at 2026-10-07 15:08:34
2 weeks ago
A deranged upstate New York Christmas theme park worker allegedly targeted kids online for sexual encounters before getting busted, police said Wednesday.
Clarence Russell — a 75-year-old employee at Santa’s Workshop in North Pole, NY — was arrested Sept. 5 and charged with attempted rape and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, according to cops and NBC5.
Clarence V. Russell is accused of soliciting minors for sex online. Ticonderoga Police DepartmentTiconderoga police say Russell scoured the internet and messaged people he thought were arranging sexual encounters with kids under the age of 15.
Family members confirmed to NBC5 that Russell worked at the historic holiday theme park in Wilmington, NY, which initially opened in July 1949.
Russell was an employee of Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas theme park. North Pole NY/InstagramAnyone with information is urged to contact the Ticonderoga Police department at (518) 585-3456.
The Ticonderoga Police Department and Santa’s Workshop did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.
