Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SINTA CLAUS
Father Xmas had crack pipe in his car
A VOLUNTEER Father Christmas is facing jail after he was caught with a crack pipe in his car.
Charles Smith was pulled over by officers who also found empty heroin bags and a hypodermic needle next to his Santa Claus costume.
In his police mugshot, white-bearded Smith stares bleary-eyed into the camera.
The bad Santa, 66, did voluntary work for Toys for Tots in Bergen County, New Jersey, but is “no longer welcome back”, the not-forprofit group said.
Spokesman Brian Murray said: “Once this came to light, he was fired. He’s a druggie. He doesn’t need to be around children. He did what he did – so he’s done.”
Parents expressed concern about the alleged cracksmoking Father Christmas.
One worried dad said: “Kids have sat in his lap. We don’t know who these people are and are trusting our kids with them for a few minutes.”
Smith, of Pompton Lakes, served in the US Marine Corps Reserve and more recently worked as a New Jersey Transit employee before he retired.
He has been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and released pending a court hearing.