Mall Santa Facing Child Porn Charges

September 27, 2003
A man charged with possessing child pornography worked as a Santa Claus at Muskegon's biggest shopping mall. Walter Arthur Johnson, 49, of Muskegon County's Muskegon Township, was arraigned Wednesday on four felony counts of possessing child sexually abusive materials. If convicted on any of the counts, he faces up to four years in prison and a fine. Michigan State Police say Johnson was employed last Christmas season as Santa Claus at The Lakes Mall in Fruitport Township. Police say none of the charges against Johnson involve his position as Santa Claus. But they say his Yahoo! Internet profile gives his nickname as Santa and lists his favorite quote as "Wanna come sit on my lap, little girl!" Investigators believe Johnson received some pornography from Jeffrey E- Dean of Fruitport Township, who is accused of coercing underage girls to perform simulated sexual acts before a live Web camera.