Mass. mall Santa Claus charged with groping teen elf

HINGHAM, Mass. - A man who played Santa Claus at a Massachusetts mall has been barred from the shopping center after he was charged with groping an 18-year-old woman playing an elf.

Herbert Jones pleaded not guilty to indecent assault and battery Monday and was released on a $1,000 bail. 

A judge ordered him to stay away from the Hanover Mall and barred him from playing Santa anywhere pending the outcome of his case.

Police say the woman called them Saturday to report that the 62-year-old Jones had pinched her buttocks. 

According to CBS Boston, Jones told the alleged victim he wished he was younger. 

The two worked at a Santa photo booth. 

Jones denied the allegations to police and mall management. He is due in court on Christmas Eve, according to the station.