Search warrants released Wednesday give new details about a Cary man who portrayed Santa and is charged with child sex charges.
Police seized 30 items from the car of John Peters, 70, who investigators say was going to meet a girl he had met on the Internet. His car included cameras, batteries, ropes and even sex toys.
From his home, the police took more cameras, phones, hard drives and computers.
In all, about 60 items were seized from the home and car.
They also took a Santa list with children’s photos. But Apex Police said that list and pictures was a list that a professional Santa would use at parties and events.
Peters was an active Santa in the area. Peters advertises himself as "Santa John" on his website and his red convertible has the tag, "SantaCar." His site says he has been a member of the Triangle Santa Buddies since 2009.
No other victims have come forward at this point, Apex Police said. They continue to investigate, and Peters remains in jail.
The mother of the girl approached by Peters said she is “absolutely sick to my stomach” after learning what was found in Peters’ car.
She said she is “nauseous physically.”
Peters’ neighbors shared their reaction with NBC 17, though did not want their identities revealed.
“I find the whole thing nothing short of astonishing,” said one man.
“The first word is unbelievable and the second one at the same time is creepy,” said another.
Peters is charged with first-degree sex offense with a child. He is also charged with solicitation by computer and dissemination of obscene material to a minor.
Apex Police say Peters made contact with the girl through a modeling website, saying he was a photographer wanting to do a photo shoot with her.
Police say Peters remained in contact with the victim via the internet and set a meeting for the photo shoot.
Peters has a court date scheduled for Thursday at Wake County District Court.
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