Niles man known as 'Santa Claus' indicted on pornography charges

WARREN — A Trumbull County grand jury has indicted William F. Brock, 65, of Mason Street, Niles, on pornography charges that could produce a prison sentence of more than 100 years.

Brock, who neighbors said sometimes identifies himself as Santa Claus, was indicted on 35 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor.

Sixteen of the counts call for a possible prison penalty of eight years, the other 19 counts call for a prison term of up to 18 months.

Brock was arrested when agents with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation Crimes Against Children Unit conducted a raid at his home July 19.

Brock has a white beard and was wearing red pants when he was arrested. He will be arraigned Sept. 25 in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.