The Southern California man who formerly voiced the affable “Peanuts” cartoon character Charlie Brown on television was sentenced to jail time Wednesday for threatening and stalking two victims, including his ex-girlfriend.
Former voice actor Peter Robbins, of Oceanside, was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border in San Ysidro back in January for allegedly threatening and stalking his ex-girlfriend, Shawna Kern, and plastic surgeon Lori Saltz.
Investigators say Robbins, 56, began stalking Saltz after she performed a breast enhancement surgery on Kern.
Robbins resident and Kern broke up following her plastic surgery. Robbins then repeatedly demanded a refund from Saltz, stalking and threatening to kill the surgeon if she didn’t pay him back, according to prosecutors.
Prosecutors say Robbins also called Kern up to 37 times in a 24-hour period saying he would kill her and her son if she didn’t give back his dog and car.
On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Robbins to serve one year in county jail. He has already been in jail for about four months.
In addition to serving jail time, Robbins will also have to enroll in a residential drug treatment program to tackle his problems with substance abuse.
A judge sentenced Robbins to probation for the next five years and ordered him to pay $15,000 in restitution to Saltz. If he violates his probation, Robbins could serve nearly four years in prison.
To prevent that from happening, the judge had a few familiar words of advice for Robbins in court:
“If I can borrow a line from 'Peanuts,' sir, I'm going to grant [you] probation. If you adhere to those terms, you won’t go to prison. So, don’t be a blockhead,” the judge said.
Robbins cried and cracked a small smile after hearing from the judge. The term “blockhead” is a reference to the Charlie Brown animated character, who was often called a "blockhead" by his “Peanuts” pals.
Following his sentencing Robbins read a short letter in court addressed to the judge and his victims. Through tears, Robbins expressed remorse for his actions, saying he has “no ill will” toward Kern and Saltz and regrets causing them fear.
“I’ve taken responsibility for my actions and will openly seek treatment for my alcoholism and prescription medication addictions. I realize this is just the first step toward becoming the fun-loving, respectful person I was and hope to become again," said Robbins.
Back in January, Robbins’ defense attorney claimed the former “Charlie Brown” actor had no criminal history and had lived in San Diego for more than 30 years without legal woes.
Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego