Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, 78, who worked as Santa at Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo in Cherokee, was arrested on August 29 by the Cherokee Indian Police Department, facing 13 child abuse charges. The charges against Sleight include:
– 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).
Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo has declined to comment on the arrest.
On September 4, a release order was 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.
Sleight’s next court appearance is set for September 11 at 9 a.m. in Cherokee Tribal Court.
