New York — SantaCon charity fundraiser it New York City floods With drunken youths dressed in red and white Santa costumes, each holiday season was true to its name: a hoax, federal authorities said while arresting its organizer.
Stefan Pildis, 50, of Hewitt, New Jersey, was arrested on Wednesday and is awaiting appearance in Manhattan federal court, where an indictment accusing him of wire fraud was unsealed.
Federal authorities said he donated to charities only a small portion of the $2.7 million he raised through SantaCon events from 2019 to 2024.
A message seeking comment was sent to Beldis’ attorney. The accused was scheduled to appear for the first time before a magistrate judge on Wednesday.
He transferred more than half of the proceeds collected each year to an entity he controlled so he could finance personal needs, including the renovation of a lakefront property in New Jersey, concert tickets, luxury vacations, expensive meals and a luxury car, authorities said.