Upon being detained and questioned, detectives said, Hicks “advised he was aware the conversation was sexual in nature, and reiterated multiple times that he was worried this could be a ‘sting,’ but he kept coming back because he was intrigued.”
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“The suspect stated he was not sure if he would have tried to continue to have sex with the child victim if she was real,” detectives added. “Throughout the duration of the interview, the suspect remained calm, and seemingly only showed an increase in emotion when prompted about his wife or his reputation.”
According to the report, Hicks has been married for more than 50 years.
During a press conference, Sheriff Judd said that 19 people were arrested during the one-week investigation.
Judd showed reporters pictures of Hicks dressed as Santa Claus and said, “You know, Christmastime is important. We like Christmas…And we arrested Santa Claus.”
Speaking of Hicks, Judd added, “This is a guy who is well-known in Polk County and Central Florida and Lakeland as a for-hire Santa Claus. In fact, one of our NGOs that was working with us said, ‘Oh my goodness. I’ve already booked him for a party next Christmas.’”
“That’s over with,” Judd quipped. “But it’s scary, because this guy was well-respected in the community.” Judd even showed reporters a picture of himself and Hicks, which was taken recently at a Rotary meeting. Judd said, “He was very active in our community.”
Judd accused Hicks of showing “zero remorse when he was arrested.” Judd added, “The only thing he was concerned about was his reputation as Santa Claus.”
“We will do our best to keep him locked up in prison for the rest of his life,” said Judd.
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Hicks has been charged with sex trafficking. If convicted, he could face a life sentence.
