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The Express Gazette
Wednesday, September 16, 2026

New York Theme Park Employee Arrested for Online Child Exploitation

Police charged a 75-year-old man employed at Santa's Workshop with attempted rape and endangering the welfare of a child.

US Politics 3 hours ago
New York Theme Park Employee Arrested for Online Child Exploitation

Clarence V. Russell, a 75-year-old employee at the Santa's Workshop theme park in upstate New York, was arrested on September 5 and charged with attempted rape and attempted endangering the welfare of a child, according to Ticonderoga police.

Police stated that Russell allegedly used the internet to contact individuals he believed were arranging sexual encounters with children under the age of 15. Family members confirmed Russell's employment at the historic holiday-themed park, which opened in 1949.

Santa's Workshop in North Pole, New York.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Ticonderoga Police Department at (518) 585-3456.


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