‘Santa’ facing extradition after being accused of money laundering, police say

AMES, Iowa (WAFB/Gray News) — A 73-year-old man who is known locally for portraying Santa Claus is facing extradition after being charged with several fraud and money laundering charges.

David Greulich, 73, reportedly goes by “Santa Ames” and is listed as the contact for the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas Iowa chapter.

Greulich has been in the Story County Jail in Iowa since April.

The St. Gabriel Police Department in Louisiana has charged him with one count of theft over $25,000, one count of identity theft, one count of access device fraud over $25,000, one count of monetary instrument abuse, one count of bank fraud, and one count of money laundering between $20,000 and $100,000. The alleged offenses occurred on or about Oct. 4, 2025, and Nov. 4, 2025.

Greulich said he has never been to Louisiana and does not know anyone in the state, but a Story County judge ruled that Greulich is the same person named in the Louisiana warrant, allowing the state to proceed with extradition.

Court records show the Louisiana warrant matches Greulich’s name, his Ames, Iowa, address, birth year and photo.