SantaCon founder charged with fraud

The indictment alleges that Pildes donated only a small fraction of the $2.7 million raised through the raucous holiday event between 2019 and 2024.

Authorities dubbed the scheme a 'con,' stating that yuletide drinkers were misled into believing their participation supported local causes.

Pildes was arrested on Wednesday and faces significant prison time if convicted.

The scandal has cast a shadow over one of the city's most notorious and divisive annual traditions.