NEW YORK (CNN) - Benjamin Curtis, better known as Steven, the "Dell Dude" from the computer maker's television commercials, was arrested Sunday while he allegedly attempted to buy marijuana on Manhattan's lower east side.

Curtis was in custody Monday while awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, a spokesman for the Manhattan district attorney's office said.

Curtis was arrested late Sunday night and charged with criminal possession of marijuana when an officer observed him making the purchase, a police spokesman said.

Police said he was buying "a small bag" and was not being charged with intent to distribute.

Curtis' agent, Bonnie Schumofsky, refused to comment on the arrest.

Curtis, 22, was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., and is enrolled at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, according to Dell's Web site.

He gained national recognition in the TV ads as a hip teenager who persuades his parents, his friends' parents and random people at the mall to buy Dell computers.

The ad campaign, featuring Curtis' memorable catch phrase, "Dude, you're getting a Dell!", was hugely successful.