Authorities have accused a local man of exposing himself to schoolchildren.

Anthony Hudson, 46, was charged Tuesday with four counts of indecent exposure.

According to an Iowa City press release, officers set up surveillance in the 1800 block of Benton Street after a complaint of a male exposing himself to passing elementary-school students.

Hudson was observed masturbating in a street-facing doorway of 1848 Benton Street on April 1 as people walked past. However, disappeared before authorities could make contact with him, the release said.

The next day, Wednesday, Hudson returned to the same building and was taken into custody as he unzipped his pants in the same doorway.

A search warrant was served at Hudson’s residence, as well as several interviews conducted.

Authorities are continuing with an investigation of Hudson’s activities.

— by Rebecca Morin