Aug 19, 2008 12:42 pm US/Eastern
Performer Accused Of Fondling Ocean City Tourist
OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) ―
Ocean City Police say a licensed street performer has been arrested for allegedly fondling a teenager.
According to police, the 16-year-old girl told officers that the costumed man fondled her buttocks on the Boardwalk last Friday when she posed with him for a picture.
At the time of the alleged assault, police say 21-year-old Andrii Mokrishcev of Ukraine was dressed as Patrick the starfish -- a character from the "Sponge Bob" cartoons. Police say he and a man dressed as Sponge Bob routinely pose for pictures with tourists in exchange for donations.
Mokrishcev is charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense. He was released after posting $3,500 bond.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)