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Story summary
- Stefan Pildes, organizer of SantaCon, was arrested in New York City on April 15, 2026, on wire fraud charges.
- Federal prosecutors allege Pildes diverted over half of the $2.7 million raised for charity from 2019–2024 for personal use.
- Prosecutors say the funds funded luxury vacations, a lakefront renovation, and extravagant meals, with a portion donated to charity.
- Pildes is to appear in Manhattan federal court after the indictment was unsealed.
