Stephen Collins Being Investigated for Child Molestation

Stephen Collins, the actor who played the pastor Eric Camden on 7th Heaven, is being investigated by police after allegedly confessing to child molestation, PEOPLE confirms.

Collins, 67, made the alleged confession during a 2012 therapy session that his wife, actress Faye Grant, secretly tape-recorded. A version of that recording, edited to protect the identity of the victims, was posted on TMZ.

The NYPD received an official complaint and the case is under investigation by the Manhattan Special Victims Squad, PEOPLE confirms. Additionally, the LAPD confirmed to PEOPLE that it is reopening a 2012 investigation that had been closed.

The alleged “inappropriate sexual contact with minors” is believed to involve at least three victims, including one who is a relative of his first wife, Marjorie Weinman.

On the tape, Collins appears to admit to several incidents, and even gives some details of the sexual contact involved. The alleged incidents happened years ago, but authorities believe they may still have a case for prosecution.

Grant filed for divorce from Collins in 2012.

“This is a shock. I found him amazing to work with. He was never more professional,” a former executive at the WB, which aired 7th Heaven for 11 seasons, tells PEOPLE. “He was a business man, a star, a leader, a team captain. I loved him. He saved the show. He was a go-to guy.”

Although the colleague says Collins was known as a big flirt toward adult women, there was never any inappropriate behavior toward children.

Adds the source, “If this news is true, it’s horrible.”

People Magazine