SoCal teen arrested over Santa gang signs

ORANGE, Calif., Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Orange County police say they arrested a teenager for allegedly violating a court order by flashing gang signs while posing for a picture with a mall Santa.

Uriel Oliva, 18, Anaheim, faces three misdemeanor charges for allegedly violating a court order that he not hang out with members of his former gang.

The Los Angeles Times said Tuesday that the state's evidence consists of a picture of Oliva and couple of pals hamming it up at the Village Mall in Orange earlier this month.

"It shows three gang members sitting on or standing around Santa Claus," explained Orange Police Sgt. Dan Adams.

Officers performing a routine check on Oliva found the photo of the trio, who were reportedly displaying the hand signals that identify their affiliation, on a souvenir key chain.

As for Santa, he appeared OK with posing with some kids who might not have been on his "nice" list.

"Typical Santa look," Adams told the Times. "Just doing his job."