Last week, 78-year-old Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, who used to play Santa Claus at a North Pole-themed amusement park in Cherokee, North Carolina, was arrested on 13 charges, including child abuse. Authorities accused him of sexually abusing two young girls between March 2023 and March 2024. One of the girls was allegedly abused when she was 5 to 6 years old, and the other was 6 to 7 years old. The abuse is said to have occurred at Sleight’s home behind the attraction, according to a warrant obtained by HuffPost. The Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo where he worked did not immediately comment on the allegations.
The alleged abuse took place on the same street where Sleight lives, which is located behind the amusement park. A police booking photo shows Sleight with a long white beard and moustache, reminiscent of his role as Santa Claus. Despite his arrest, some who knew him expressed shock at the accusations, with one person describing him as always having been a “super nice person.” Police revealed that Sleight was a customer of Caroline Roland, a 39-year-old Cherokee resident who has been accused of running a child-trafficking ring. Roland was arrested on June 5 and faces 11 charges, including child abuse that led to a 5-year-old girl suffering multiple broken bones in her hands.
Sleight’s arrest has shocked many in the community who knew him as the friendly Santa Claus at the amusement park. The allegations of child abuse against him have raised concerns about his behavior and interactions with children. The authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter, and there may be more charges or revelations in the future. The Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo, where Sleight used to work, has not commented on the allegations or his arrest. The case has sparked discussions about child abuse and the importance of ensuring the safety of children in all environments.
The accusations against Sleight have brought attention to the issue of child abuse in the community and the need for increased vigilance in protecting children from harm. Parents and caregivers are urged to be alert to signs of abuse and to report any suspicious behavior to the authorities. The case serves as a reminder that child abuse can happen in any setting, even a seemingly innocent and fun environment like an amusement park. It is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of children and to take all necessary steps to prevent and address instances of abuse.
The arrest of Sleight and the subsequent revelations have sent shockwaves through the community, prompting discussions about child safety and the need for stronger measures to protect children from harm. The allegations of child abuse against Sleight have raised questions about how such incidents can occur and what can be done to prevent them in the future. The authorities are working to ensure that justice is served in this case and to hold those responsible for such heinous acts accountable. The community is coming together to support the victims and their families and to ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
