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Man, 78, accused of lewd actions

Authorities say that the Zephyrhills resident repeatedly exposed himself to children who walked by his house from a nearby school bus stop.

By SEUNG MIN KIM
Published July 27, 2005

ZEPHYRHILLS - For almost eight months, authorities say, Paul Edward Brown stood at his Zephyrhills home, sexually harassing multiple children as they walked by from a nearby school bus stop.

The 78-year-old would post signs on the window that would ask the students, all younger than 16, to look at his "p.p.," the children told deputies. He would move his television so the kids walking on the road could view the screen, which was playing pornography, authorities said.

Sometimes, he would post a sign that would ask the children to look at him. When they did, he would expose himself, deputies said.

Brown, of 8043 Irene St., was arrested Monday at the county jail on an outstanding warrant issued June 7 on a charge of lewd and lascivious exhibition.

The five children attend Heritage Academy, Chester W. Taylor Middle School and Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills, said sheriff's spokesman Doug Tobin.

The incidents occurred between June 1, 2004, and Jan. 31, 2005, authorities said.

According to a witness affidavit filed by a Pasco County sheriff's deputy, the stepfather of one of the children went to confront Brown, who denied any of the incidents occurred. Brown later approached the child and asked her if it was her father who had confronted him.

Brown posted $7,500 bail at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday and was released. He could not be reached for comment late Tuesday afternoon. Records show he has no criminal history in Florida.

He was also ordered not to have contact with the children.

Authorities said his latest home address was 8043 Irene St., but the affidavit that describes Brown's alleged conduct lists his residence as 4327 Seaberg Road.

Tobin could not confirm whether Brown had turned himself in but said defendants who are wanted on an outstanding warrant sometimes cooperate with police. Brown had not been in jail on another charge, Tobin said.

[Last modified July 27, 2005, 01:05:14]