'SantaCon' organizer accused of pocketing more than $1 million earmarked to charities
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Stefan Pildes, organizer of the annual SantaCon bar crawl in New York City, was arrested and charged with wire fraud for allegedly pocketing funds meant for charity.
- Between November 2019 and April 2025, Pildes diverted over half of the $2.7 million raised from the event, which was supposed to benefit charities like City Harvest and the Children's Heart Foundation.
- Prosecutors state Pildes used the stolen money for personal expenses, including concert tickets, luxury vacations, home renovations, and leasing a luxury Manhattan apartment.
- FBI officials condemned Pildes for exploiting the goodwill of participants and depriving local charities of more than $1 million.
- Pildes has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.
