Gay Performer Rob Van Damme Detained by Feds

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — Internationally renowned porn star Robert van Damme was arrested by local authorities May 21 in Orange County on charges of domestic violence and contempt of court.

Damme, whose real name is Robert Kovarik, had his bond set at $100,000.

According to SFGN.com, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say that the Czech Republic native has been hit with a federal detainer that prevents him from bonding out of state prison. Even if he were to post bail, he would be held in federal custody and brought before a U.S. magistrate judge.

“I can’t comment on what he’s wanted for abroad because that’s not of a public record,” said Nicole Navas, a spokeswoman for ICE in Miami. “I can just confirm that ICE special agents placed a detainer on him.”

A federal immigration official told XBIZ that an ICE detainer means federal officials believe the suspect doesn't have the legal basis to be in the U.S. and once the local case against him ends, Damme will be transferred to the local federal facility at which point he will be processed for deportation or extradition.

Van Damme has performed for Falcon and Mustang Studios, but now runs RVD Films.

“The state could drop the charges and allow the demanding country to remove him immediately. Depending on the severity of the allegations against him, the Feds could move very quickly,” said Ric Rosenbaum, a federal criminal defense attorney in Ft. Lauderdale.

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