http://www.boston.com/dailynews/248/nation/Chuckles_the_clown_cleared_of_:.shtml

Chuckles the clown cleared of indecent exposure charge in Illinois

By Associated Press, 9/5/2001 15:51

MOLINE, Ill. (AP) Chuckles the clown was cleared of indecent exposure Wednesday after arguing that he didn't realize his zipper was open.

Chuckles, whose real name is Kimble McLain, 42, was found innocent after an hour-long trial before Municipal Judge Dana McReynolds.

McReynolds said prosecutors failed to prove McLain exposed himself to chilren deliberately.

''The only real evidence the state has mustered here is that he was exposed,'' the judge said.

McLain was arrested May 7 after allegedly exposing himself to children at the Moline Wal-Mart, where a Mexican food vendor had hired him to do magic tricks and make balloon animals during a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

During the trial, Wal-Mart shoppers and employees testified they could see McLain's genitals.

McLain told police he was mobbed by children and didn't realize the zipper of his costume was open until a boy told him. McLain said he quickly fixed the zipper and went back to work.

He was ordered out of the Wal-Mart after customers complained.

-- Anonymous, September 05, 2001