SantaCon founder charged with fraud

Authorities allege that Pildes donated only a small fraction of the $2.7 million raised through the festive event between 2019 and 2024.

The indictment describes the operation as a 'con' that exploited the holiday spirit of thousands of participants.

Pildes faces significant prison time if convicted of the federal charges.

The news has shocked the local community, as SantaCon has long been promoted as one of the city's largest charitable fundraisers.