LASD Investigates Whether Actor Stephen Collins Sexually Abused a Girl 31 Years Ago

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed today it is investigating actor Stephen Collins over an allegation he exposed himself or sexually abused a girl in West Hollywood 31 years ago.

Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida declined to provide specifics of the case, saying only that detectives were investigating an allegation of indecent exposure and annoying or molesting a child, with the alleged crime occurring during the summer of 1983.

The complaint was made to the Los Angeles Police Department last week, but was turned over the Sheriff’s Department, which patrols West Hollywood, Nishida said.

The website TMZ reported that the victim, who was 13 at the time, was the relative of a neighbor when Collins lived in West Hollywood.

Collins, best known for his starring role as a pastor in the television series “7th Heaven,” is also being investigated by police in New York.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles police Officer Nuria Vanegas said last week police “received information in 2012 regarding an accusation of criminal behavior” involving Collins. She said a case was started, but is no longer active.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 investigations of Collins began following the release last week of an audiotape on which the actor allegedly admits to abusing 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, TMZ reported.

“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 an 11-year-old girl in New York.

--City News Service

PHOTO Patch file photo.

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