Santa Off Hook After Cub Scout Slapped

A prosecutor says he will not pursue charges against a longtime Santa Claus accused of slapping a 7-year-old Cub Scout who pulled on his costume beard.

Rockingham County Attorney Bill Hart’s action effectively ends the assault case against Roy Keiser, 65, who was arrested shortly before Christmas and scheduled for a jury trial on Tuesday.

The alleged slap occurred at a Cub Scout Christmas party where several Cubs accused Santa of being a fake. Scout leader Margot Collins said one of the boys ripped off Keiser’s beard, taking some skin with it.

Police said the boy was hit hard enough to leave a temporary mark, but no permanent injury.