At a Glance
- Daniel Stern, Marv in the 1990 hit Home Alone, received a prostitution citation at a Camarillo motel
- The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office submitted the citation on December 10; prosecutors are still reviewing the case
- Stern currently lives on a Ventura ranch, working as a sculptor and farmer
- Why it matters: The incident contrasts sharply with the family-friendly image cemented by one of cinema’s most beloved Christmas films
Daniel Stern, forever known as bumbling burglar Marv in Home Alone, was cited in California for allegedly soliciting prostitution. The 67-year-old actor was released at the scene after deputies issued the misdemeanor ticket at a Camarillo motel, according to Ventura County District Attorney spokesperson Joey Buttitta.
The Citation and Review
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office forwarded the citation to prosecutors December 10, News Of Losangeles reports. No formal charges have been filed, and the case remains under review.
> “From what I understand, he was cited at the location and released,” Buttitta told News Of Losangeles.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Citation issued | December 10, 2025 |
| Case under review | Through January 12, 2026 |
| Potential charges | One misdemeanor count of soliciting prostitution |
If prosecutors move forward, Stern would face a single misdemeanor count carrying possible fines and probation.
From Hollywood to Farm Life
Stern stepped away from acting years ago, trading film sets for a Ventura ranch where he raises cattle, tends citrus trees, and grows produce with his wife. He now channels creativity into sculpture rather than scripts.
Recent projects include a commissioned replica of himself with the tarantula famously placed on his face in Home Alone. The owners of the Illinois house used in the movie requested the piece, which Stern calls his first self-portrait.
> “I’ve been looking at myself in my studio and I’ve made myself a lot handsomer than I actually am in real life-just why not?” he joked in a December interview with News Of Losangeles.
Legacy of a Holiday Classic
Released in 1990, Home Alone became the highest-grossing live-action comedy of its time, earning Stern eternal recognition as half of the “Wet Bandits” alongside Joe Pesci. The slapstick family film airs every holiday season, refreshing Stern’s association with wholesome entertainment.
Despite the franchise’s enduring popularity, Stern says he rarely revisits the past.
> “That house is like a tourist attraction,” he noted, referring to the possibility of unveiling his sculpture at the property.
What Happens Next
Prosecutors have not set a deadline for deciding whether to file formal charges. Stern faces no travel restrictions and has not publicly commented on the citation. Ethan R. Coleman contacted his representative but did not receive an immediate response.
Key Takeaways
- Stern’s citation remains under review; no charges have been filed
- The incident occurred weeks after he discussed his sculpture work in a December interview
- His current lifestyle centers on farming and art, far from the Hollywood spotlight
- The case could conclude with a simple citation or escalate to court proceedings depending on prosecutors’ findings
