Children's television star Pee-wee Herman was arrested for allegedly exposing himself inside an adult theater, authorities said Saturday.
The star of "Pee-wee's Playhouse," whose real name is Paul Reubens, was arrested Friday night after undercover detectives raided the South Trail Cinema in a sting operation, a Sarasota County sheriff's affidavit said.Reubens was observed exposing himself, and a detective arrested him in the lobby, the affidavit said. The theater is showing the movies "Nancy Nurse," "Turn Up the Heat" and "Tiger Shark," according to a recorded message there.
Reubens, 38, was charged with exposure of a sexual organ and released from the county jail Friday night after posting $219 bond. Three other people were arrested on similar charges, said a booking officer who spoke on condition of anonymity.
If convicted of the misdemeanor, the Studio City, Calif., resident would face up to 60 days in jail and $500 fine, said Lt. Bill Stookey, a Sarasota County sheriff's spokes-man.
Reubens' Sarasota attorney, Dan Dannheiser, said his client wouldn't comment. But he said the charge would wreck Reubens' career.