Bad Santa: A man dressed as Jolly Old Saint Nick was booted from his Massachusetts shopping mall gig after he was accused of groping one of his elves, played by an 18-year-old woman.
The Associated Press reported that Herbert Jones, 62, was arrested, and pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and battery. He was released on $1,000 bail — but his Santa job at Hanover Mall appears to have been ended.
A judge ordered him to stay away from the shopping center, and also barred him from dressing up and playing Santa in any other venue, until his case is wrapped, AP reported.
The woman notified police that the man pinched her butt and made suggestive comments while they worked a photo booth, AP said.
Mr. Jones — who happens to have an actual white bushy beard, akin to popular portrayals of Santa — denied he touched her, AP reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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