A Florida man who volunteered as Santa Claus and served as a town commissioner in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is facing serious child pornography charges. James Jude Silverstone, 62, was arrested on Thursday and charged with 10 counts of transmitting child pornography.

The investigation began in April when the Broward County Sheriff's Office detected a computer downloading illicit files. Their investigation led them to Silverstone. According to the Sheriff's Office, over 210 files containing images and videos of child pornography were discovered. A subsequent search of Silverstone's residence in May uncovered hundreds more disturbing images and videos on his electronic devices, some depicting infants engaged in sexual acts.

A neighbor, shocked by the allegations, described Silverstone as an "outstanding individual" and a "consummate good-do-gooder" who volunteered his time for the community, including portraying Santa Claus. The neighbor expressed disbelief and suggested someone might be targeting Silverstone.

Fox News Digital contacted Lauderdale-by-the-Sea officials for a statement but has not yet received a response.