Wayne Nelson Corliss Detained in New Jersey on Child Pornography Charges

Wayne Nelson Corliss has been detained in Union City, N.J. He is accused of sexually abusing several boys from southeast Asia, according to the Associated Press. Just two days earlier, Interpol had made a public appeal for help in finding the suspect in a series of child pornography images. This appeal lead to the arrest of Wayne Nelson Corliss. If convicted, he could face 10 to 20 years in prison.

Wayne Nelson Corliss is a small time actor who has played Santa Claus and painted children's faces. He went by the name Casey Wayne.

A suspected pedophile playing Santa Claus serves as a poignant reminder to parents to be vigilant in protecting their children from pedophiles.

The first step to protecting your child from pedophiles is to educate your child about the different parts of his or her body. Explain to children that some parts of the body shouldn't be touched by strangers. Answer their questions in age appropriate terms that they can understand even if you find the topic uncomfortable or embarrassing. Educating your children is the single best weapon against pedophiles and other predators.

Encourage children to tell an adult they trust if someone does touch them where they shouldn't. Adults don't always listen the first time so stress how important it is that if they don't listen, the child should tell someone else. Encourage them to keep telling.

Encourage your child not to keep secrets that make them feel embarrassed, ashamed or bad. Many pedophiles convince children that sexual abuse is a secret that must be kept. By teaching your child not to keep these secrets, potential sexual abuse will get reported sooner.

Always know where your children are going and with whom. Make sure you child knows to tell you if they go somewhere. My parents were especially vigilant in this regard when I was growing up. I was taught to always call or come home and ask permission before going somewhere. My parents also always questioned about who would be there. Would my friend's parents be home? If not, who was babysitting?

Listen to your gut. Parents should trust their intuition. If a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, watch your child more closely or don't leave your child alone with the person in question. When sexual abuse is reported, parent often realize that they'd sensed something wasn't right.

Teach your children to never be in public alone, especially in public restrooms. Encourage them to always take a friend or two with them. Pedophiles look for opportunities to get a child alone. By teaching your child not to be alone you can protect them from predators.

News stories about accused pedophiles such as Wayne Nelson Corliss can be troubling to parents. Knowing that someone accused of pedophilia managed to play Santa Claus and get close to children is frightening., Fortunately, there are a number of simple things that parents can do to help protect their children.
Sources

David Porter, Associated Press Writer, 'Best Santa ever' arrested in N.J. on child sex charges, FoxNews, http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008May08/0,4670,InterpolManhunt,00.html