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Mall Santa facing indecent assault and battery charge

HANOVER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A mall Santa Claus from Assonet is facing an indecent assault and battery charge following his arrest Saturday.

Herbert G. Jones, 62, who is employed by Cherry Hill photos as the Santa Claus at the Hanover Mall, was arraigned Monday.

Jones was arrested after an 18-year-old coworker, who was employed as an elf, reported Jones made provocative suggestions and touched her inappropriately. Police said another person corroborated what the woman had said.

A judge ordered Jones to appear in court again on Dec. 24 and banned him from playing Santa for the remainder of the holiday season.

Cherry Hill Photos said it did run a background check on Jones and nothing turned up.

"This allegation has been denied by the individual portraying Santa. A spokesperson for Cherry Hill Photo has informed us that a comprehensive background report had been completed on the individual portraying Santa. The report indicates that he is clear of any prior arrests or convictions," the company said in a statement.

As for the alleged victim, police said she was unhappy after being questioned about money missing from the Santa booth and has since quit her job.