TITUSVILLE, Fla. -- State Rep. Bob Allen was arrested Wednesday after offering to perform oral sex for $20 on an undercover male police officer, authorities said.

Veteran's Memorial Park was under surveillance when Allen, R-Merritt Island, was seen coming in and out of a restroom three times, Lt. Todd Hutchinson. Allen, 48, then approached an undercover officer and was arrested.

He has been charged with solicitation for prostitution, which has a maximum penalty of one year in jail. Brevard County jail officials said Allen posted a $500 bond.

An e-mail sent to Allen and telephone messages left by The Associated Press on his cell phone and at his office were not immediately returned.

While being transported to jail, Allen told WFTV Channel 9 that the situation was "a very big misunderstanding."

Ony Wednesday night, an attorney for Allen urged the public to remember the lawmaker's years of public service.

"The only comment we have to make is everyone is innocent until proven guilty," the attorney, who did not identify himself, said after posting a $500 bond for Allen as the pair exited the Brevard County jail in Sharpes on Wednesday night. "We would hope that everyone takes into consideration Mr. Allen's history of public service (and) that everyone is innocent until proven guilty."

Allen, a married father of one, was elected to the Florida House in 2000. He was chairman of the House Committee on Energy.

Allen is a former Little League volunteer who also donated time to the Boys and Girls Club, serving on its board of directors.