Registered sex offender advertised as Santa-for-hire

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Deputies in Florida have arrested a registered sex offender who advertised for appearances at Christmas parties, dressed as a Santa-for-hire.

According to investigators, Robert Bruce Kendel Jr. used a Craigslist advertisement to try and play the jolly old elf at holiday events. Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff's Office said they had set up a sting to make the arrest, with an undercover deputy responding to the ad.  

When Kendel arrived for a gig in full Santa garb -- including the familiar suit, boots and a fake beard --  he was taken into custody.  Asked why he did it, Kendel said he needed to make extra money for his family.

Kendel, 48, now faces a charge of being a sex offender who failed to report. Deputies said he did not tell the state he was working as a Santa impersonator.