Los Angeles police are reviewing their investigation into a 2012 criminal complaint against actor Stephen Collins in light of an
audiotape released today in which the actor allegedly admits to molesting or exposing himself to at least three young girls.
Collins, 67, allegedly made the admission during a 2012 therapy session with his estranged wife, Faye Grant, who secretly recorded the conversation, the website TMZ reported.
TMZ posted a copy of the audiotape online, and reported that Collins admitted to inappropriate behavior with an 11-year-old girl in New York, a young girl in Los Angeles and a third girl, also believed to be in New York.
“There was one moment of touching where her hand … I put her hand on my penis,” Collins is heard saying on the tape, referring to the then-11-year-old girl.
The alleged touching involving the girl is believed to have taken place as long as 40 years ago. It was unclear when the alleged acts involving the other girls may have occurred.
Los Angeles police Officer Nuria Vanegas said police “received information in 2012 regarding an accusation of criminal behavior.” She said a case was started, but is no longer active.
“We are reviewing the investigation to make sure nothing was missed, and we are collaborating with New York (authorities) to assist them if we can,” Vanegas said. “The case here has not been reopened, but we are reviewing the case for accuracy.”
The New York Police Department is also investigating the allegations.
Various media outlets reported that Collins — who is best known for his role as a pastor on the television series “7th Heaven” — was fired from the cast of the film “Ted 2” after the audiotape was made public.
The actor also resigned from the board of the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union. A spokeswoman for the union declined to comment.
Grant issued a statement to several media outlets denying that she released the audiotape to TMZ.
“I woke up today to learn that an extremely private recording I handed over to the authorities in 2012 per their request in connection with a criminal investigation was recently disseminated to the press,” Grant said. “I had no involvement whatsoever with the release of the tape to the media.”
