Full Breakdown
New Jersey Man Charged with Indecent Assault at Pennsylvania Mall
4/2/2026, 4:22:25 AM
Incident Overview
Shivakrishna Bera, a 36-year-old man from Jersey City, New Jersey, was arrested for allegedly groping a performer dressed as the Easter Bunny at the South Hills Village Mall in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, on March 23. Bera faces charges of indecent assault and harassment, as well as cyber harassment of a child, according to court records and police reports.
Details of the Assault
The incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. while the female performer was posing for photos with families. Witnesses reported that Bera approached the performer, asking questions about the costume's gender before he began touching her. He allegedly grabbed her arm, touched her chest, and ultimately groped her breasts through the costume's padding. Additionally, Bera reportedly placed his fingers inside the costume's nose and mouth area.
Mall security reviewed surveillance footage, which corroborated the victim's account, showing Bera making contact with the costume multiple times. After the incident, Bera was located asleep in a nearby AMC movie theater and was identified through his New Jersey driver's license.
Bera's Statements
Upon being detained, Bera made several statements that raised eyebrows. He questioned whether the costume was a doll and insisted, “By mistake, my hand touched her if it’s a lady.” He also expressed regret about being caught, stating, “If I did not watch a movie here, I wouldn’t have been caught.” These comments were noted by police during his transport to the Allegheny County Jail.
Legal Proceedings
Bera is currently being held on a $10,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on April 2. The charge of indecent assault carries a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison under New Jersey law.
Community Reaction
Local residents expressed shock and dismay over the incident. One local, Jenn Herrig, stated, “If I would have been there with my son, I would have just been appalled.” Another resident, Logan Wells, commented, “That’s not the kind of activity that should be happening in our township, not at all.” The incident has raised concerns about safety in public spaces, particularly during family-oriented events.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most reports agree on the details of the incident and the charges against Bera, there is some variation in the specifics of his statements to police. Some sources emphasize his belief that the costume was a doll, while others highlight his comments about testing if the costume was real or fake.
Verbatim Quotes
- “By mistake, my hand touched her if it’s a lady.” — Shivakrishna Bera
- “if I did not watch a movie here I wouldn't have been caught.” — Shivakrishna Bera
- “It’s gross. That’s not the kind of activity that should be happening in our township, not at all,” — Logan Wells, Local Resident
This incident has sparked discussions about public safety and appropriate behavior in family settings, highlighting the need for vigilance during community events.
