Last week, Bevier Hasbrouck Sleight III, a 78-year-old man who used to play Santa Claus at a North Pole-themed amusement park in North Carolina, was arrested on 13 charges, including child abuse. He was accused of sexually abusing two young girls at his home located behind the Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo in Cherokee. The abuse allegedly occurred between March 2023 and March 2024 when the girls were 5 to 6 and 6 to 7 years old, respectively. Sleight’s arrest shocked many who knew him as a “super nice person.”
The Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo has not yet responded to the allegations, and authorities claim that the abuse took place on the same street where Sleight resides, behind the amusement park. Sleight’s police booking photo shows him with a long white beard and mustache, adding to the creepy Santa Claus image associated with the accusations against him. Despite his previous role as Santa Claus and his perceived kindness, Sleight now faces serious charges of child abuse that have shocked the community.
Authorities revealed that Sleight was also a customer of Caroline Roland, a 39-year-old resident of Cherokee who has been accused of running a child-trafficking ring. Roland was arrested on June 5 and faces 11 charges, including child abuse that resulted in a 5-year-old girl suffering “multiple broken bones to each hand on multiple different digits.” The connection between Sleight and Roland, both facing serious charges related to child abuse, raises questions about the potential extent of child exploitation in the community near the Santa’s Land Fun Park and Zoo.
The allegations against Sleight and Roland highlight the disturbing reality of child abuse and trafficking that can occur even in seemingly innocent or festive settings, such as amusement parks or Christmas-themed attractions. The arrest of the former Santa Claus and his association with a suspected child trafficker suggest a darker side to the idyllic image of Santa and the North Pole. The community in Cherokee and beyond has been shaken by the news, as people grapple with the idea that someone they knew as kind and friendly could have been involved in such horrific acts.
As the case unfolds, authorities will continue their investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged abuses and trafficking activities. The charges against Sleight and Roland serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness when it comes to protecting children from exploitation and harm. The shocking nature of the accusations against individuals connected to a beloved holiday figure like Santa Claus also underscores the need for greater scrutiny and accountability in all sectors of society to prevent such crimes from occurring in the future.
While the specific details of the case against Sleight and Roland continue to unfold, the broader implications of child abuse and trafficking in the community require urgent attention and action. The authorities, as well as the general public, must remain vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing instances of exploitation and harm, particularly when they involve vulnerable children. The arrest of a former Santa Claus and his alleged involvement with a suspected child trafficker serve as a wake-up call for everyone to prioritize child protection and safety above all else.
