Ronald Carroll McDonald | |
|---|---|
 McDonald pleading guilty, November 1997 | |
| Born | February 25, 1926 United States |
| Died | August 7, 2011 (aged 85) Bothell, Washington, U.S.[1] |
| Conviction(s) | January 20, 1998 |
| Criminal charge | Child Molestation |
| Penalty | 26½ years imprisonment |
| Details | |
| Victims | 8–45+ |
Span of crimes | 1937 – October 1997 |
Ronald Carroll McDonald (February 25, 1926 – August 7, 2011) was an American convicted child molester known for playing Santa Claus for over 25 years before confessing to his crimes. McDonald had been a prominent figure in Lake Forest Park, Washington as a year-round Santa, who volunteered his time at least six days a week to working with children, including those in the Seattle area hospitals.[2][3] When it was revealed that McDonald had been abusing children, the news gained international attention.[4][5]
- ^ "Ronald McDonald Obituary". Legacy. 9 August 2011. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Heart Partwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Authorities charge ex-Santa with raping 6-year-old girl". Deseret News. October 25, 1997. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
- ^ "Addenda". The Washington Post. October 25, 1997. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
- ^ "Community 'betrayed' by seedy Santa". Medicine Hat News. Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. November 13, 1997. Retrieved November 3, 2018.