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2w ago

SantaCon Founder Arrested on Federal Wire-Fraud Charge

Prosecutors say he steered more than half of $2.7 million in event proceeds to a company he controlled for personal spending.

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SantaCon attendees in San Francisco’s Union Square on Dec. 13, 2025. A prominent SantaCon organizer was charged Wednesday with federal wire fraud, accused of diverting money from the annual holiday bar crawl for personal expenses while promoting the event as a charity fundraiser.

Overview

  • The event’s organizer, arrested Wednesday in Manhattan, was charged with wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
  • Prosecutors say SantaCon raised about $2.7 million from 2019 to 2024 through tickets and 10%–25% venue commissions, and that attendees and bars were told the money went to charity despite earlier reporting that questioned how little was donated.
  • The indictment alleges he diverted over half the proceeds to Creative Opportunities Group, then spent funds on a New Jersey lake house renovation, a luxury Manhattan apartment lease, a $100,000 stake in a Costa Rica resort, vacations, concert tickets, and a high-end car.
  • He pleaded not guilty and was released on a $300,000 bond as the case proceeds in the Southern District of New York.
  • Federal authorities are seeking to seize assets including a New Jersey lakefront home and financial accounts, and the FBI asked SantaCon attendees and participating bars since 2019 to submit information as potential victims.