Instead of spreading cheer this holiday season, a Santa Claus impersonator has left a trail of destruction in Canada.
Réjean Bacon of Quebec City is a popular figure in the area, dressing as St. Nick each year, with locals lining up to take photographs with him. But it appears this charming 71-year-old man exploited his disguise to gain people’s trust, allowing him to attack several women. On Wednesday, Bacon was taken into custody by the Sûreté du Québec provincial police, accused of sexually assaulting at least five women.
Bacon was initially arrested in May during an investigation by the SQ’s Integrated Pimping Enforcement Team. He was released on conditions, and a search warrant was executed at his home. Authorities removed several computers, and the content on those devices is what led to his arrest this week.
While it is not clear what information his computers contained, Bacon was arrested and charged with voyeurism, sexual assault, obtaining sexual services, possession, and trafficking of drugs, and breach of an undertaking.
A Facebook profile belonging to Bacon shows him in Santa garb at several community events. He posted as recently as October 17th looking for a prop “sleigh or throne for outside decor.”
Any other victims of Bacon are encouraged to contact the SQ Criminal Information Centre at 1-800-659-4264.
