SantaCon boss charged with fraud

While SantaCon is promoted as a charitable event that floods New York City with thousands of people in Santa costumes, authorities say only a small fraction of the $2.7 million raised between 2019 and 2024 was actually donated.

Pildes is accused of 'siphoning' more than half of the donations into his personal accounts to fund lavish vacations and other private expenses.

The U.S. Justice Department has labeled the long-running holiday tradition a 'con,' dealing a significant blow to the event's reputation.

If convicted, Pildes faces substantial prison time for his alleged misuse of the public's generosity.