Stephen Collins Under Investigation In 1983 Crime Involving Girl, 13
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed Wednesday that it is investigating actor Stephen Collins in a crime against a 13-year-old girl 31 years ago.
Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida would only say that detectives were investigating an allegation of indecent exposure and annoying or molesting a child in West Hollywood during the summer of 1983.
The alleged victim, who reported the incident last Thursday to the Los Angeles Police Department, was 13 at the time. The case was turned over to the Sheriff's Department, which patrols West Hollywood.
KCAL9's Rachel Kim reported that the alleged victim now lives out of state.
The encounter reportedly took place in the 1400 block of Hayvenhurst, where Collins lived at the time.
The LAPD also "received information in 2012 regarding an accusation of criminal behavior" involving Collins, according to Officer Nuria Vanegas. She said a case had been started but is no longer active.
"Out goal here is to identify people who can provide us good, solid, factual, truthful information about what occurred, " LAPD Lt. Steven Katz said.
Collins is best known for his starring role as a pastor in the television series "7th Heaven." He is also being investigated by police in New York.
The investigations of Collins began after the release last week of an audiotape on which the actor apparently admits to abusing or exposing himself to at least three girls. Collins made the admission during a 2012 therapy session with his estranged wife, actress Faye Grant, who secretly recorded the conversation, according to TMZ.
Kim went to Collins' Tarzana home for a comment but said no one came to the door. She also left a call for his attorney that was not returned.
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