7th heaven dad Stephen Collins admits to molestation
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In New York the statute of limitations starts to run when the victim reports the crime. The prosecution has 5 years to make a case for 1st and 2nd degree sexual conduct, 2 years for sexual misconduct. In LA the crime can be prosecuted one year after it was reported by the victim. There are more semantics based on where he lived during the time etc but that's pretty much it. I'm not familiar with US legislation but that's what I've gleaned from my readings on the situation.
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Stephen Collins Sexual Fantasy Books Were His Unraveling
10/10/2014 12:40 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
EXCLUSIVE
The main victim in the Stephen Collins molestation case had a very dark awakening after reading two highly sexualized thrillers authored by the actor ... books that convinced her to take action so he wouldn't molest others.
"Eye Contact" was Collins' first novel in 1994 ... which chronicles the sexual escapades of an exhibitionist woman. "Double Exposure" -- published in 1998 -- deals with a TV critic in a horrible marriage who begins a voyeuristic relationship with his attractive neighbor.
Sources connected with the woman -- who claims Collins molested her between the ages of 11 and 13 -- say she read the books right around 2000 and almost immediately wrote an anonymous letter to Faye Grant, warning her about what her husband allegedly did to her and what he might do to other children.
The woman eventually went to cops in 2012 ... and reported her alleged molestation.
By the way ... Collins touts both novels on his website ... but provides a disclaimer saying they're way too sexual for "7th Heaven" fans.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3FkPB5rc3
10/10/2014 12:40 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
EXCLUSIVE
"Eye Contact" was Collins' first novel in 1994 ... which chronicles the sexual escapades of an exhibitionist woman. "Double Exposure" -- published in 1998 -- deals with a TV critic in a horrible marriage who begins a voyeuristic relationship with his attractive neighbor.
Sources connected with the woman -- who claims Collins molested her between the ages of 11 and 13 -- say she read the books right around 2000 and almost immediately wrote an anonymous letter to Faye Grant, warning her about what her husband allegedly did to her and what he might do to other children.
The woman eventually went to cops in 2012 ... and reported her alleged molestation.
By the way ... Collins touts both novels on his website ... but provides a disclaimer saying they're way too sexual for "7th Heaven" fans.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3FkPB5rc3
Was this something a lot of Hollywood knew about and just turned a blind eye to? And who is Jack M?
https://twitter.com/kathygriffin/status/519596831991275521
https://twitter.com/kathygriffin/status/519596831991275521
Attachments
Bad timing: Stephen Collins plays pedophile priest in new film
http://www.wfaa.com/story/life/people/2014/10/15/stephen-pedophile-priest-new-film/17293437/
Stephen Collins attends the premiere party for "Devious Maids" at the Bel-Air Bay Club in Los Angeles in 2013.(Photo: Katy WinnI, Invision/AP)
Stephen Collins has often played kindly, dad-type roles.
And in a new short film, Penance, he plays a priest. But he's a priest who has some sins to confess. Specifically, he's a pedophile.
The movie, which was made in 2013 and released in March, has been playing the festival circuit. It is directed by Jeff Wolfe, who was a second unit director/stunt coordinator on the NBC show Revolution, which starred Collins as a doctor. Penance co-stars Revolution's David Lyons as a man who visits Collins to "find forgiveness," as the movie's synopsis reads, "or to give it."
In an April interview, Collins described it as a "powerful" piece, but didn't go into detail.
Wolfe tells People now,
"When I cast Stephen Collins, I had no idea there might be a connection between his real life and the part I asked him to play. I found the recent allegations particularly shocking, as my film is meant to speak to victims of abuse and the idea that the effects of abuse never really go away."
Collins hasn't spoken since a tape of him admitting to molesting teen girls surfaced on Oct. 7.
http://www.wfaa.com/story/life/people/2014/10/15/stephen-pedophile-priest-new-film/17293437/
Stephen Collins attends the premiere party for "Devious Maids" at the Bel-Air Bay Club in Los Angeles in 2013.(Photo: Katy WinnI, Invision/AP)
Stephen Collins has often played kindly, dad-type roles.
And in a new short film, Penance, he plays a priest. But he's a priest who has some sins to confess. Specifically, he's a pedophile.
The movie, which was made in 2013 and released in March, has been playing the festival circuit. It is directed by Jeff Wolfe, who was a second unit director/stunt coordinator on the NBC show Revolution, which starred Collins as a doctor. Penance co-stars Revolution's David Lyons as a man who visits Collins to "find forgiveness," as the movie's synopsis reads, "or to give it."
In an April interview, Collins described it as a "powerful" piece, but didn't go into detail.
Wolfe tells People now,
"When I cast Stephen Collins, I had no idea there might be a connection between his real life and the part I asked him to play. I found the recent allegations particularly shocking, as my film is meant to speak to victims of abuse and the idea that the effects of abuse never really go away."
Collins hasn't spoken since a tape of him admitting to molesting teen girls surfaced on Oct. 7.
There's a lot that happens in Hollywood that they turn a blind eye to all the time.
So weird that he was just in a movie playing a pedophile priest.
An article I read the other day that goes into more detail about the legalities of the case...
HNGN Legal Analyst Heather Hansen: Answering the Questions Surrounding Stephen Collins' Child Molestation Allegations
Last week Grant released the recordings in a move that many argue was the result of a strategic decision within an already difficult divorce case. That may be so, but the more pertinent legal questions to examine surround Collins' confessions: Was it legal to record Collins in the first place? Does the therapist bear any legal responsibility for failing to uphold Collins' privacy since the recording took place in his/her office? Can Collins' victims press criminal charges, or has the statute of limitations run out? Do his words amount to a confession within the eyes of the law? Could Collins face charges for any of what is contained on the audiotapes?
There are no easy answers in this case, so let's review them separately:
Was it legal to record for Collins' wife to record him?
Recording individuals without their knowledge is a tricky thing within the United States since laws vary by state. New York, for instance, is a "one-party consent state," meaning that as long as one party has consented to the recording or is one of the parties to the recorded conversation, the recording is legal [See NY Penal Law Section 250.00(1)]. California, however, is a "two-party consent state." Therefore, both parties must consent to a recording unless it is made for the purpose of obtaining evidence reasonably believed to relate to the commission by another party to the communication of any felony involving violence against another person (See California Penal Code Section 633.5). That last part is key. So far, not a single victim has come forward. If that continues to be the case, Collins' defense attorneys in California will have an argument that the tapes were obtained illegally and therefore cannot be used as evidence.
Does the therapist bear any legal responsibility for failing to uphold Collins' privacy since the recording took place in his/her office?
It is very unlikely that there is any criminal or civil liability on the part of the therapist here. So far, the assumption has been that Grant secretly made these tapes; it follows, then, that the therapist, like Collins, would not have known the session was being recorded. If that's the case, the therapist cannot be held responsible for violating patient privacy expectations. The possibility exists, however, that Collins knew the sessions were being recorded. Many therapists - especially marriage counselors - encourage troubled couples to record their sessions so they can review them later at home. If Collins actually consented to these particular recordings, his lawyers can no longer raise the argument that they were made unlawfully and they are therefore admissible as evidence in court.
Can his victims press criminal charges or have the statuette of limitations run out?
To begin with, it is not clear which of these alleged crimes occurred in New York or California but there is no doubt that location may decide whether a case will go forward against Collins. The statute of limitations, or the time in which one must prosecute a crime, differs in the two states. From what little we know, it seems the acts at issue occurred in the late '70s and early '80s. For crimes including forcible touching, there is a five-year statute of limitations in New York that begins after a victim turns 18 (See NY Crime Pro Law 30.10 and NY Penal Code 130.52). While we don't know the victim's age, it is fair to assume that the statute might have passed. It is also important to note that the statute of limitations that applies is the one in effect at the time of the crime. Prosecutors would have to know the year the alleged crime took place to ensure that the law, as it was written and upheld at the time, has not changed since then.
If the acts occurred in California the prosecutors will have an easier time going after Collins but would still likely fail. California has a much longer statute of limitations - 10 years after the victim reaches the age of majority, or when she is 28 [See CA Penal Code Section 801.1]. Although it's probable the window has already shut tightly, California law does contain a loophole: if certain conditions are met, the statute can extend to one year after the date of a report by the victim [See CA Penal Code Section 803(f)]. In this case, Collins' wife and not one of his alleged victims (as far as we know) has reported the act to California authorities, so there may be a glimmer of hope for prosecutors with regard to bringing suit within the statute-of-limitations timeframe.
Do Collins' words amount to a confession within the eyes of the law?
Regardless of which state decides to move first, the nature of Collins' crimes must be considered for prosecution. Collins' crimes have been described as "molestation," but definitions are extremely important in the eyes of the law. For instance, if Collins exposed himself without any touching involved, the act - as far as New York law sees it - may be classified as "an offense against public sensitivity" rather than "molestation" [See NY Penal Code Section 245], which carries a shorter statute of limitations and a lighter sentence.
Could he face charges for any of what is contained on the audiotapes?
Ultimately, successful prosecution will depend on whether any victims come forward. This may be the only way to overcome not only statute-of-limitations issues but also a common law rule called corpus deliciti, which is Latin for "body of the crime." As it applies to the law, the term means that a crime can only be prosecuted if there is actual proof that it occurred in the first place. A confession all by itself is not enough. After all, people confess to crimes they did not commit for all sorts of reasons, involving everything from mental illness to protecting the truly guilty party. In California, Collins' confession could not be admitted to a court unless the prosecution was also able to introduce independent evidence of the crime, such as the alleged victim - always the best source of independent evidence - coming forward. New York law provides prosecutors a little more leeway in this regard and follows the corroboration rule, which is a lower standard and easier for the prosecution to meet.
While laws are of course meant to protect victims, they are also designed to protect the falsely accused. In America, we are all innocent until proven guilty and to uphold that standard the burden of proof must therefore remain substantial. Given such a standard - unfortunately - it is the case that offenders often slip through the cracks. That may be the case here, but while such an escape from punishment may arouse our deepest sense of anger and injustice, we can rest assured that the court of public opinion has rendered harsh judgment against Collins. He will continue to face the consequences of his alleged crimes on a daily basis and for the rest of his life.
http://www.hngn.com/articles/45812/...hen-collins-child-molestation-allegations.htm
An article I read the other day that goes into more detail about the legalities of the case...
HNGN Legal Analyst Heather Hansen: Answering the Questions Surrounding Stephen Collins' Child Molestation Allegations
Last week Grant released the recordings in a move that many argue was the result of a strategic decision within an already difficult divorce case. That may be so, but the more pertinent legal questions to examine surround Collins' confessions: Was it legal to record Collins in the first place? Does the therapist bear any legal responsibility for failing to uphold Collins' privacy since the recording took place in his/her office? Can Collins' victims press criminal charges, or has the statute of limitations run out? Do his words amount to a confession within the eyes of the law? Could Collins face charges for any of what is contained on the audiotapes?
There are no easy answers in this case, so let's review them separately:
Was it legal to record for Collins' wife to record him?
Recording individuals without their knowledge is a tricky thing within the United States since laws vary by state. New York, for instance, is a "one-party consent state," meaning that as long as one party has consented to the recording or is one of the parties to the recorded conversation, the recording is legal [See NY Penal Law Section 250.00(1)]. California, however, is a "two-party consent state." Therefore, both parties must consent to a recording unless it is made for the purpose of obtaining evidence reasonably believed to relate to the commission by another party to the communication of any felony involving violence against another person (See California Penal Code Section 633.5). That last part is key. So far, not a single victim has come forward. If that continues to be the case, Collins' defense attorneys in California will have an argument that the tapes were obtained illegally and therefore cannot be used as evidence.
Does the therapist bear any legal responsibility for failing to uphold Collins' privacy since the recording took place in his/her office?
It is very unlikely that there is any criminal or civil liability on the part of the therapist here. So far, the assumption has been that Grant secretly made these tapes; it follows, then, that the therapist, like Collins, would not have known the session was being recorded. If that's the case, the therapist cannot be held responsible for violating patient privacy expectations. The possibility exists, however, that Collins knew the sessions were being recorded. Many therapists - especially marriage counselors - encourage troubled couples to record their sessions so they can review them later at home. If Collins actually consented to these particular recordings, his lawyers can no longer raise the argument that they were made unlawfully and they are therefore admissible as evidence in court.
Can his victims press criminal charges or have the statuette of limitations run out?
To begin with, it is not clear which of these alleged crimes occurred in New York or California but there is no doubt that location may decide whether a case will go forward against Collins. The statute of limitations, or the time in which one must prosecute a crime, differs in the two states. From what little we know, it seems the acts at issue occurred in the late '70s and early '80s. For crimes including forcible touching, there is a five-year statute of limitations in New York that begins after a victim turns 18 (See NY Crime Pro Law 30.10 and NY Penal Code 130.52). While we don't know the victim's age, it is fair to assume that the statute might have passed. It is also important to note that the statute of limitations that applies is the one in effect at the time of the crime. Prosecutors would have to know the year the alleged crime took place to ensure that the law, as it was written and upheld at the time, has not changed since then.
If the acts occurred in California the prosecutors will have an easier time going after Collins but would still likely fail. California has a much longer statute of limitations - 10 years after the victim reaches the age of majority, or when she is 28 [See CA Penal Code Section 801.1]. Although it's probable the window has already shut tightly, California law does contain a loophole: if certain conditions are met, the statute can extend to one year after the date of a report by the victim [See CA Penal Code Section 803(f)]. In this case, Collins' wife and not one of his alleged victims (as far as we know) has reported the act to California authorities, so there may be a glimmer of hope for prosecutors with regard to bringing suit within the statute-of-limitations timeframe.
Do Collins' words amount to a confession within the eyes of the law?
Regardless of which state decides to move first, the nature of Collins' crimes must be considered for prosecution. Collins' crimes have been described as "molestation," but definitions are extremely important in the eyes of the law. For instance, if Collins exposed himself without any touching involved, the act - as far as New York law sees it - may be classified as "an offense against public sensitivity" rather than "molestation" [See NY Penal Code Section 245], which carries a shorter statute of limitations and a lighter sentence.
Could he face charges for any of what is contained on the audiotapes?
Ultimately, successful prosecution will depend on whether any victims come forward. This may be the only way to overcome not only statute-of-limitations issues but also a common law rule called corpus deliciti, which is Latin for "body of the crime." As it applies to the law, the term means that a crime can only be prosecuted if there is actual proof that it occurred in the first place. A confession all by itself is not enough. After all, people confess to crimes they did not commit for all sorts of reasons, involving everything from mental illness to protecting the truly guilty party. In California, Collins' confession could not be admitted to a court unless the prosecution was also able to introduce independent evidence of the crime, such as the alleged victim - always the best source of independent evidence - coming forward. New York law provides prosecutors a little more leeway in this regard and follows the corroboration rule, which is a lower standard and easier for the prosecution to meet.
While laws are of course meant to protect victims, they are also designed to protect the falsely accused. In America, we are all innocent until proven guilty and to uphold that standard the burden of proof must therefore remain substantial. Given such a standard - unfortunately - it is the case that offenders often slip through the cracks. That may be the case here, but while such an escape from punishment may arouse our deepest sense of anger and injustice, we can rest assured that the court of public opinion has rendered harsh judgment against Collins. He will continue to face the consequences of his alleged crimes on a daily basis and for the rest of his life.
http://www.hngn.com/articles/45812/...hen-collins-child-molestation-allegations.htm
BOOM!
Stephen Collins L.A. County Sheriff Investigates Sex Crime Victim Comes Forward
10/15/2014 12:42 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
Exclusive Details
Stephen Collins is now under investigation by a third law enforcement agency for allegedly molesting and/or exposing himself to young girls ... TMZ has confirmed ... and the victim herself is the one who came forward to make the complaint.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the woman was 13 at the time and she has now gone to law investigators with her allegations.
Our sources say ... the incident involves a relative of a neighbor when Collins lived on Havenhurst Drive in West Hollywood during the summer of 1983.
Collins confesses to exposing himself to the girl on the audio tape posted on TMZ last week. We redacted her name and address.
Collins also says on the audio ... he went back to the victim and "made amends" years later.
We're told the New York PD referred the matter to the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. because the incident occurred in that jurisdiction.
We're told the Sheriff's Dept. investigation centers around indecent exposure and the crime of annoying or molesting a child. We've learned Collins is listed as "suspect."
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3GGW6UlcB
Stephen Collins L.A. County Sheriff Investigates Sex Crime Victim Comes Forward
10/15/2014 12:42 PM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
Exclusive Details
Stephen Collins is now under investigation by a third law enforcement agency for allegedly molesting and/or exposing himself to young girls ... TMZ has confirmed ... and the victim herself is the one who came forward to make the complaint.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the woman was 13 at the time and she has now gone to law investigators with her allegations.
Our sources say ... the incident involves a relative of a neighbor when Collins lived on Havenhurst Drive in West Hollywood during the summer of 1983.
Collins confesses to exposing himself to the girl on the audio tape posted on TMZ last week. We redacted her name and address.
Collins also says on the audio ... he went back to the victim and "made amends" years later.
We're told the New York PD referred the matter to the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. because the incident occurred in that jurisdiction.
We're told the Sheriff's Dept. investigation centers around indecent exposure and the crime of annoying or molesting a child. We've learned Collins is listed as "suspect."
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3GGW6UlcB
He's in a world of s**t - that he created for himself. Good on the victim for having the courage to come forward. He's named her himself as well, which is a confession. He's going to get jail time for this I hope. Good.
"Made amends"? How? "Oops sorry I molested you and screwed up your life and probably your interpersonal relationships etc". GTFO.
"Made amends"? How? "Oops sorry I molested you and screwed up your life and probably your interpersonal relationships etc". GTFO.
If Kathy isn't going to explain anything then she just needs to shut up because all she is doing is making herself come across as someone taking advantage of all this just to get a little press from all this controversy.
Stephen Collins Home Free In Child Molestation Investigations
10/18/2014 12:40 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
EXCLUSIVE
Stephen Collins -- a self-proclaimed child molester -- will NOT be prosecuted for either molesting or exposing himself to the 3 victims ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.
TMZ posted audio of Collins confessing to wife Faye Grant that he molested and/or exposed himself to 3 girls ... ages 11 - 13. And, as we reported ... the NYPD and the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. have open investigations. The LAPD is also looking into the case they closed 2 years ago.
But law enforcement sources in all 3 police departments tell TMZ ... the cases will go nowhere. All 3 cases are decades old, and our sources say prosecution would be barred by the statute of limitations.
The NYPD case is the one with the best argument that the statute hasn't run ... as we reported the victim came forward in 2012 and spoke with NY detectives. But that case involves an incident in the 70s and we're told law enforcement has all but given up on a viable case.
Grant has alleged Collins molested a child while he was shooting "7th Heaven" -- sometime between 1996 and 2007 -- but we're told no such victim has come forward.
Although it looks like Collins will not be prosecuted -- assuming no one else comes forward -- he will still have to deal with the molestation issue in court. His divorce trial is next month, and Grant plans to raise the issue because she wants her portion of the assets protected in case one of the victims files suit. And he plans to raise the issue because he claims she used the audio to extort him.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3GXHdcD60
10/18/2014 12:40 AM PDT BY TMZ STAFF
EXCLUSIVE
Stephen Collins -- a self-proclaimed child molester -- will NOT be prosecuted for either molesting or exposing himself to the 3 victims ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.
TMZ posted audio of Collins confessing to wife Faye Grant that he molested and/or exposed himself to 3 girls ... ages 11 - 13. And, as we reported ... the NYPD and the L.A. County Sheriff's Dept. have open investigations. The LAPD is also looking into the case they closed 2 years ago.
But law enforcement sources in all 3 police departments tell TMZ ... the cases will go nowhere. All 3 cases are decades old, and our sources say prosecution would be barred by the statute of limitations.
The NYPD case is the one with the best argument that the statute hasn't run ... as we reported the victim came forward in 2012 and spoke with NY detectives. But that case involves an incident in the 70s and we're told law enforcement has all but given up on a viable case.
Grant has alleged Collins molested a child while he was shooting "7th Heaven" -- sometime between 1996 and 2007 -- but we're told no such victim has come forward.
Although it looks like Collins will not be prosecuted -- assuming no one else comes forward -- he will still have to deal with the molestation issue in court. His divorce trial is next month, and Grant plans to raise the issue because she wants her portion of the assets protected in case one of the victims files suit. And he plans to raise the issue because he claims she used the audio to extort him.
Read more: http://www.tmz.com#ixzz3GXHdcD60
The confession alone will make it hard for him to work (I hope) near children. I feel bad for the victims. I hooe someone steps forward and brings some charges to present day.