Former Santa At Santa’s Land Charges With Child Abuse

A man who played Santa Claus at Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo in Cherokee, NC has been arrested and charged with child abuse. 78-year-old Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight was arrested on Thursday, August 29 and charged with 13 counts of child abuse which include aggravated sexual abuse, offensive touching and contributing to the delinquency, indiscipline, neglect or abuse of minors. The incidents involved children as young as 5 years of age and happened between March of 2023 and March of 2024.

Authorities in North Carolina say the charges stem from abuse that happened in Sleight’s home, not at Santa’s Land. Sleight is due in court on Wednesday, September 11.

The Cherokee Indian Police Department says that Sleight is a customer of a local Cherokee woman that headed up a child trafficking ring. 39 year old Caroline Roland is also now in jail. Police say she faces charges of child abuse, maiming and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury. The case remains under investigation.