Ex-Child Star Lance Kerwin Gets Five Years' Probation

"James at 15" star filed false documents to get public assistance

James at 15 just got five years' probation.

Lance Kerwin, the 1970s child star who is now a pastor in Hawaii, pleaded guilty to falsifying documents in order to get state medical help and food stamps. Kerwin, who owns three homes on the mainland, apologized and paid $21,822 in restitution, according to thegardenisland.com.

"I'm sorry," said Kerwin, who played the title role on the 1977 NBC series, before being sentenced. "The last thing I want to do is to make a statement to minimize what I have done."

Kerwin, 49, is a pastor at Calvary Chapel in Kapaa. He was also ordered to perform 300 hours of community service.

Kerwin co-owns one of the properties with his brother, and has no control over it, according to his attorney, Craig De Costa. The other property has been foreclosed. Kerwin was receiving rental income from his third property at the time he applied for the benefits, but it was less than the mortgage.

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