COMEDIC ACTOR FRED WILLARD ARRESTED AT XXX MOVIE THEATER FOR LEWD CONDUCT

Posted by Phoenix Disorderly Conduct Attorney Nick Alcock:

In a relatable move that would make Pee Wee Herman proud, actor and comedian Fred Willard was arrested at a seedy Hollywood adult movie theater called the Tiki Theater for lewd conduct. I’m sure you recall Herman’s (real name Paul Reubens) infamous brush with the law for exposing himself in an adult theater over twenty years ago. Reubens’ embarrassing arrest is widely considered to be directly responsible for derailing his career, although he did not end up serving any jail time in the end.

Hollywood undercover vice officers were conducting a routine inspection of the adult movie house Wednesday night when Willard was apprehended, shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday night. LAPD officials said vice officers routinely monitor adult theaters. In some cases, they respond to complaints, but they also inspect whether illicit acts might be going on in a commercial business or in conspicuous areas. If a complaint is made, authorities often return to a theater numerous times until the offending behavior stops or arrests deter criminal activity. Authorities said they try to be aggressive about patrolling the theaters because word can spread quickly about a location if lewd acts are allowed to continue unchecked.

Officers observed Willard “engaged in a lewd act” but did not elaborate. The officers were part of a prostitution enforcement detail. Willard was transported to the Hollywood LAPD police station where he was booked and released on his own recognizance. It’s not clear what type of lewd conduct 72-year-old Willard was allegedly engaged in at the time of his arrest, but XXX movies with titles like “Step Dad No. 2″ were reportedly playing at the theater.

Generally, someone arrested for lewd conduct in California is charged with the misdemeanor of disorderly conduct, meaning Willard will have to appear in court and could potentially face up to a year in jail if convicted. However, given the nature of the crime, Willard’s age, and his high-profile status, it seems unlikely that he’ll be locked up.

Despite being caught with his pants down, Fred Willard’s criminal defense team may be able to argue that his arrest was a giant misunderstanding.