Daniel Stern, the 67-year-old actor best known for his role as bungling burglar Marv Merchants in the beloved “Home Alone” franchise, has been formally charged with soliciting prostitution, prosecutors confirmed.
The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges against Stern following an incident last month at a hotel in Camarillo, a city located approximately 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles. According to a spokesperson for the DA’s office, Stern allegedly attempted to hire an escort at the location in December.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Stern was issued a citation at the time of the alleged incident but was not taken into custody. The actor received what amounts to a ticket, allowing him to leave the scene. However, the matter has now escalated to formal criminal prosecution.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office submitted the case file to the District Attorney’s Office late Friday afternoon, and prosecutors moved swiftly, filing charges within days. The quick turnaround suggests prosecutors believe they have sufficient evidence to move forward with the case.
Stern is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning, though representatives from the DA’s office indicated they do not expect the actor to appear in person. Under California law, defendants in misdemeanor cases can often have their attorneys appear on their behalf for arraignment proceedings.
Soliciting prostitution is typically charged as a misdemeanor in California, punishable by up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000 for a first offense. Repeat offenders can face enhanced penalties.
Stern, who has maintained a lower profile in recent years, rose to fame in the 1990s with memorable roles in “Home Alone” and its sequel, as well as the television series “The Wonder Years,” where he provided the nostalgic narration as the adult Kevin Arnold. He has also appeared in films including “City Slickers” and “Bushwhacked.”
Representatives for Stern have not yet issued a public statement regarding the charges. The actor is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Actor Daniel Stern, famous for playing Marv in “Home Alone,” has been criminally charged with soliciting prostitution in Ventura County, California. He was cited last month at a Camarillo hotel for allegedly attempting to hire an escort.
Prosecutors filed charges quickly after receiving the case, and Stern faces arraignment Tuesday, though his attorney is expected to appear on his behalf. If convicted of the misdemeanor charge, he could face up to six months in jail and fines.
