Former Santa Land Santa Faces Multiple Child Abuse Charges

Cherokee -- September 12, 2024: Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, 78, formerly employed as Santa at Santa’s Land Fun Park

& Zoo in Cherokee, was apprehended on August 29 by the Cherokee Indian Police Department, confronting 13 allegations of child abuse. The allegations against Sleight comprise:

 2 counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse
– 2 counts of Sexual Abuse
– 2 counts of Abusive Sexual Contact
– 3 counts of Offensive Touching
– 2 counts of Contributing to the Delinquency, Undiscipline, Neglect, or Abuse of Minors
– 2 counts of Child Abuse in the First Degree

As a non-enrolled defendant, the Cherokee Tribal Court can prosecute Sleight under the provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

September 4, a release order filed, allowing Sleight’s release on a $75,000 secured bond, with several conditions. The restrictions include:

– No contact with the alleged victim, their family, or places they frequent.
– Prohibition from possessing firearms or weapons.
– Ban on alcohol or controlled substance use unless prescribed.
– Restricted to remain within the Cherokee Court’s jurisdiction.
– Electronic home confinement (EHC) with pre-trial supervision, only permitted to leave home for medical care or attorney meetings.
– Prohibition from working in any capacity involving children.

A court date is scheduled for Sept. 11 at 9 a.m. in Cherokee Tribal Court.

Editor's Note:* A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.