The accused Super Mario groper has a message for the Manhattan DA — Hold the ‘Mustard’!
“I’m innocent,” iconic video game character impersonator Damon Torres, 35, insisted outside a Manhattan Criminal courtroom today after he snubbed a plea deal by the DA that would have required him to attend a rehabilitative program for sexual deviants called “Mustard Seed.”.
The Brooklyn-based treatment program helps “those who have committed a sexual offense understand the impact of their actions and regain control of their lives,” according to its website.
Torres, who was shushed by his attorney after declaring his innocence, faces a misdemeanor forcible touching charge and two violations for harassment and marijuana possession, according to court records. He allegedly grabbed a New Jersey grandma’s inner thigh on 42nd Street in late December.
“I saw him approaching, and as I moved, he moved with me,” Cheryl Naviello, 58, told The Post on Dec. 22, three days after the incident. “He deliberately turned his hand and grabbed me. I jerked my leg, and he grabbed my inner thigh.
“I was so pissed, I yelled, ‘Oh, really?!’ ”at the costumed character and he walked away as if nothing happened.
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Stengel told the judge at Torres’ appearance today that they had a witness who had identified Torres at the scene. Torres’ attorney, David Smiley, said he plans to contest the witness’s account.
Smiley must submit his dispute of the identification to the court by Feb. 22. Torres remains free.