A man known for playing Santa Claus in Polk County, Florida, has been arrested after authorities accuse him of attempting to arrange a sexual encounter with an underage girl.

Thomas Allen Hicks, 68, became one of the 19 individuals detained by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) for allegedly seeking to engage in illegal activities with minors.

According to arrest records, Hicks, who frequently portrays Santa, allegedly visited a website associated with prostitution in an attempt to arrange a meeting with a 13-year-old. He believed the girl was being offered by her father.

The mug shot of Thomas Allen Hicks has been circulated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

However, the advertisement Hicks responded to was actually part of an undercover operation. Authorities report that Hicks communicated with an undercover deputy and offered $200 to engage in sexual acts with the supposed minor.

During their exchanges, Hicks allegedly disclosed his plans to meet, leading to his arrest at the designated location.

“I talked to the real Santa Claus today, and he’s pissed,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said during a news conference, FOX 13 reported. “He said it’s people like that who give me a bad reputation and I spend all this time going all around the world giving presents to all the good boys and girls. Sheriff, I’m glad you got him locked up.

“You can’t fix these people. They’ve got a hitch in their giddy up. Their elevator don’t go all the way to the top. It stops at P – pedophile floor. It stops at P – predator floor. It stops at C – Child predator floor. These are dangerous people.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to Hicks’s attorney for comment.

Prior to his arrest, Hicks worked for Tri-County Human Services, a behavioral health clinic. He has since been fired. 

Thomas Allen Hicks poses for a selfie dressed as Santa. (@PolkCoSheriff/X)

“Tri-County Human Services is aware that Tom Hicks, Marketing Manager, was recently arrested in connection with allegations of inappropriate conduct. Tri-County took immediate and appropriate action to terminate this individual’s employment to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our staff and the individuals we serve each day,” the company said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“As this is now an ongoing legal matter, management will not be commenting on the specific details or unverified information related to this situation. Tri-County supports the Polk County Sheriff’s office in their investigation and activities to maintain the safety of the community. Mr. Hicks did not have access to client files or their electronic health record and was not able to gather any data related to child information at any time during his employe. Tri-County Human Services, its Board, and management team remains fully committed to maintaining a safe, professional, and respectful workplace for all staff, clients, and community partners.”

Sheriff Grady Judd presents results from a multi-agency sting for Operation Child Protector VIII. (@PolkCoSheriff/X)

As for the rest of the suspects, the PCSO said the multi-day joint operation brought about 85 felony charges and eight misdemeanors total. 

“It never ceases to amaze us how many suspects travel to have sex with who they believe are children, especially here in Polk County where we proactively investigate and arrest those who prey on children. Speaking of believing, we even arrested Santa Claus during this undercover operation.”

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