55-year-old Jeffrey Bates Moffat from Missouri is accused of sexually abusing the child according to court papers.
He was arrested last month for the crimes and is currently being held at Cape Girardeau County Jail.
Mr Moffat reportedly worked with children as a volunteer for the ‘Santa Express’ for nearly 20 years before being dealt the rape charges.
Local news report that the former Santa impersonator’s girlfriend Patricia Lynch and the president of the ‘Santa Express’ Cheryl Huffman have denied Mr Moffat’s guilt.
Ms Lynch told the Post: "Never in a million years would I have dreamt that, never. He’s just not that way.
Ms Huffman described Mr Moffat as a ‘giver’ with a ‘heart of gold’.
"He’s just not guilty of this crime. I know that, I just feel that in my heart."
Cape Girardeau County Sheriff Captain David James said to the Washington Post: "I would say his days are done as far as being a Santa anywhere around here."
Mr Moffat will appear in court today during a preliminary hearing.
(Image: Cape Girardeau County Sheriff)