'Santa Claus' pleads guilty to marijuana-growing charges

James Earl Bailey, a self-proclaimed hippie who aced charges of manufacturing more than 100 marijuana plants, had been on the lam for 14 years.


Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, will have one fewer Papá Noel (Santa Claus) this year.

James Earl Bailey, 69, a self-proclaimed hippie who had been on the lam for 14 years, pleaded guilty Thursday in San Antonio to charges of manufacturing more than 100 marijuana plants.

Since skipping bail in 2003, he’d settled in the northern Mexico town that borders Laredo and lived in a modest home there with the earnings he got from playing ol’ St. Nick.

“Everybody knew him as Santa Claus in Nuevo Laredo,” said his lawyer, Tom McHugh. “He’d go into shops there and charge to take pictures with people and kids. He’d use that (money) to survive the year.”

Though his skin color would make him stand out in Mexico, Bailey drew little attention and was embraced as Papá Noel — how Santa Claus is referred to in many Latin American countries. He spoke some Spanish, volunteered at an orphanage, and lost weight.

Read more: http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/article/Santa-Claus-pleads-guilty-to-12199201.php


Dear Santa:

I've been a good boy this year. If I leave out some milk and cookies will you please come visit?

Sincerely,

TexasTowelie