Santa accused of rape is exception, police say

The jolly, red-suited man can be found in countless malls and at Christmas parades and holiday parties. But it can be hard to tell the good Santas from the bad.

Cape Girardeau police said there's no state or federal law requiring criminal background checks for Santa.

Still, Sgt. Adam Glueck said he believes most of the Santas pose no threat to children. The recent case of a Jackson Santa accused of molesting a 7-year-old is an exception, Glueck said, adding he can't recall another such case in the 15 years he has been on the Cape police force.

"It's a pretty rare occurrence," he said.

Jeffery Moffat, 55, played Santa Claus for St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway events in Jackson for almost two decades.

In August, he was charged with first-degree statutory rape and first-degree sodomy involving a 7-year-old girl. The case has been moved to New Madrid County, Missouri, on a change of venue. Moffat's next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 22 before Circuit Judge Fred Copeland.

Many businesses conduct background checks on prospective employees. Some companies that employ Santas conduct background checks, too. WorldWide Photography, which provides Santa photos at West Park Mall and many other malls, requires its Santas to pass a national sex offender and criminal background check, according to its website.

But Glueck said many local Santas volunteer their time, making background checks less likely.

The Cape Girardeau School District requires background checks for teachers, student teachers and any volunteers who could be placed in positions in which they would be left alone with students. Santas have visited some of the Cape Girardeau public schools in the past.

Christa Turner, interim director of academic services for the school district, said Santa has been an annual visitor to Jefferson Elementary School, where she was formerly principal.

"Santa is treated like any guest speaker would be," Turner said. As such, there is no background check performed, she said.

But Turner said guest speakers, including Santa, are not left alone with students. School staff members are present in all such cases, she said.

Christa Zickfield, who coordinates events for Old Town Cape, said her organization has relied on the same Santa for years.

Tom Lee of Cape Girardeau has been the Santa for the Parade of Lights Christmas parade in Cape Girardeau for more than a decade. He also serves as Santa at the Downtown Christmas Open House, which will occur from 5 to 9 p.m. today. The parade, rescheduled from last weekend, will be held Sunday, beginning around 5 p.m.

Lee has played Santa at friends' Christmas gatherings in the area since 1980. He said he started donning the red suit at the urging of a friend.

"I have two Santa suits right now," he said. "I have an outdoor suit and an indoor suit."

Lee, who recently retired as groundskeeper at Southeast Missouri State University, said he has not undergone a background check for his role as Santa. But he added, "I would not be opposed to it."

He said he knows some of the mall Santas in St. Louis who have had background checks.

Lee said he enjoys playing Santa and loves interacting with the children.

"They are so open, so honest. They still believe. You can see it in their eyes," he said.

mbliss@semissourian.com

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