NATION : ‘Santa’ Accused of Fondling Girl

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — A part-time Santa Claus has been charged with fondling a 14-year-old girl at a shopping mall, police said today.

John Solyst, 27, a teacher’s aide who also works seasonally as a Santa Claus, was charged with a fourth-degree sex offense for allegedly touching the girl’s breasts and buttocks while she was posing for a group photograph with five friends and Santa. Her parents reported the incident, which allegedly took place Dec. 7, leading to Solyst’s arrest.

The Santa was released on his own recognizance and told to be in court Jan. 22.