Richie Buck is all in, and now it’s permanent. After uncovering new evidence, hiring a flashy new defense attorney, and learning that the blood on Santa’s sleigh wasn’t human at all, Richie takes the ultimate leap of loyalty: getting a full-on Santa tattoo. As the needle buzzes, he doubles down on his mission to prove the big man’s innocence and restore Christmas for everyone.

But with his departure for the North Pole imminent, the world around him seems to wobble. Detective Samantha Strong is torn between ridicule and concern. Richie’s travel plans span more modes of transportation than any human should reasonably take in a single day. And when he finally arrives at the “NoPo,” nothing is as he imagined - no twinkling lights, no toy-filled wonderland. Instead, he finds a bleak industrial sprawl, eerie neon bars, and a cold so sharp it cuts.

His guide is Ellie, a 156-year-old elf with zero patience, a wicked sense of humor, and a deep disdain for being mistaken for a fairy. She leads Richie through back alleys, old institutions, and finally into a smoke-filled room where a mysterious figure waits in the shadows.

Todd O'Tannenbaum. The Toddfather.

And he’s been expecting Richie.

Richie’s quest for the truth has finally brought him to the top of the world—but what he finds here might be even stranger than what he left behind.

It's like Santa Claus. As a suspect. On Dateline. In the South.

Cast: Richie Buck - Jason Usry Santa Claus - Pat Picone Jenny the Tattoo Artist - Kelli - Berens Brink Detective Samantha Strong - Shiloh Catanese Chris Helton - Todd O'Tannenbaum

Head Elf, Jason Usry Co-Executive Elves: Rebekah Sebastian, Dr. Shiloh Catanese, Dr. Scott Musgrove, and Michelle Kaz. Santa Maybe, a Criminal is written and produced by Jason Usry Music and Sound FX sourced through Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe, Audiio, Universal Music for Creators and more. Additional music and atmospheres provided by Captain Fathands. Follow the show on social media: X - @santamaybe Facebook - @SantaMaybePodcast Web - santamaybe.com

Until next time: BE NICE