A former Home Alone actor who left the entertainment industry to pursue farming was charged with soliciting a prostitute in Ventura County last month.
Daniel Stern, known for his role as Marv Murchins, one of the comedic villains known as the Wet/Sticky Bandits, appeared in the classic holiday film and its sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
According to a report by People, Stern was cited at a motel in Camarillo. “From what I understand, he was cited at the location and released,” said Joey Buttitta, a spokesperson for the Ventura County District Attorney, to the outlet.
Stern was formally charged on Monday (January 12), with his arraignment scheduled for the following day, according to the spokesperson.
Although Stern was not detained after his citation, law enforcement recently filed a misdemeanor charge against him for engaging or agreeing to engage in prostitution.
Due to the nature of the charge, Stern is not required to appear in person at the Ventura County courthouse and can be represented by an attorney instead.
If convicted, Stern could face a fine of up to $1,000 and a potential jail sentence of up to six months.
Efforts have been made to contact Stern’s representatives for comment.
In recent years, Stern has distanced himself from Hollywood, focusing on life as an artist and farmer.
Now 68, Stern resides on a California farm with his wife, where they engage in cattle ranching and fruit cultivation.
Given his new lifestyle, Stern is seldom seen in public and does not participate in Home Alone anniversary events.
In an interview with People, Stern explained why he avoids such events, stating: “I don’t leave my farm. It’s no offense to the movie. I’m just … a phone call, Zoom call, I’m in. But… I’m a bit of a homebody.
“I love knowing that everybody loves it, but like, actual people come at me and say, ‘We love it’. It’s a little overwhelming sometimes.”
Although he has stepped back from the Home Alone community, Stern reflected on recognizing the potential of the film during its production.
“I did know that it was a gem of a movie. It was so funny, it was so true, and so I did know that. I was hopeful that we were making a great movie. I had no idea obviously – no one could – of the longevity of its life,” he shared.