Mall Incident Leads to Charges Against New Jersey Man After Alleged Assault on Costumed Worker
A 36-year-old man from Jersey City, New Jersey, is facing criminal charges in Pennsylvania after an alleged incident involving a costumed employee at a shopping mall during the Easter season. Authorities say the case raises serious concerns about public safety and respect for workers, especially those interacting closely with families and children.
According to official court records, the man, identified as Shivakrishna Bera, has been charged with indecent assault and harassment. The incident reportedly took place on March 23 at South Hills Village Mall in Upper St. Clair, where a woman dressed in an Easter Bunny costume was working as part of a holiday photo attraction for families.
The woman was performing her duties, taking pictures with children and visitors, when the accused approached her and began asking questions. Reports indicate that she directed him to speak with her assistant instead, but he refused to do so. Instead, he allegedly made unwanted physical contact, touching her arm and chest area and then grabbing her inappropriately.
The situation quickly escalated, with the assistant later telling police that the man continued behaving in a disturbing manner. He reportedly asked whether the character was a boy or a girl and proceeded to insert his fingers into the nose and mouth area of the costume. The behavior alarmed both staff and visitors present at the scene.
Law enforcement officials later reviewed surveillance footage from the mall, which helped them identify the suspect. Police were able to locate him shortly afterward in a nearby theater, where he was found asleep. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Following his arrest, authorities say the man made statements suggesting confusion about the situation. He reportedly questioned whether the Easter Bunny was a doll and, upon being informed that a real person was inside the costume, claimed that any contact had been accidental if the individual was a woman.
Bera is currently being held at the Allegheny County Jail after failing to post bail set at $10,000. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for April 2, where further legal proceedings will determine the next steps.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining safe and respectful environments in public spaces, especially during family-oriented events. Workers in costumes, often unable to fully see or defend themselves due to their attire, can be particularly vulnerable. Law enforcement agencies continue to stress that any form of unwanted physical contact is taken seriously and will be addressed under the law.
Authorities have not released additional details at this time, and the case remains under investigation as it moves through the legal system.
Sources:
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System (official court records)
Allegheny County Jail records
Local law enforcement reports from Upper St. Clair Police Department
