Santa Vs. Interpol

In early 2006,Interpol-the global police network based in Lyon,France-received from Norweigan police a cache of 800 disturbing images,roughly 100 of which depicted a man sexually abusing at least 3 boys aged between 6 and10,in 2000 or 2001.

While a luggage tag in the photos suggested they may have been taken in Southeast Asia,the trail grew cold,and for 2 years investigators were unable to decipher the man´s identity or whereabouts-even though he hadn´t bothered to conceal his face in the images.

So last week,Interpol´s child exploitation unit did an unusual thing:they turned tothe worldwide public for help.

Less than 48hours after Interpol´s appeal for help,3 tips submitted over the Net led to the arrest of Wayne nelson Corliss in Union City,New Jersey,who was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and customs enforcement and charged with producing child pornography.

Interpol depicted him as an aging deviant who entertained children by dressing up as Santa Claus and painting their faces at parties.

According to prosecutors,Corliss,58,described his sexual encounters with 3 prebubescent Thai boys as a ´´euphoric´´experience.

He is being held without bond and scheduled for a hearing.

He could face 20 years in prison if convicted on the charges.

Tags: Interpol , Santa Claus , Sex , Acute