Fred Willard Arrested, Actor Avoids Lewdness Charges
Fred Willard has completed a diversion program following his arrest on a lewdness charge over the summer.
The actor was taken into custody on July 18, 2012 after a suspected act of lewdness in a Los Angeles adult theater.
Monday, Frank Mateljan, a spokesperson for Los Angeles' attorney's office, said that the 72-year-old actor completed a program in September designed to divert minor offenders from the criminal justice system, according to the L.A. Times.
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Furthermore, prosecutors said that his completion of the program will prevent Willard from being tried for lewd conduct relating to his July arrest.
Willard was arrested after an undercover vice officer from the L.A. Police Department conducted a routine walk-through at the Tiki Theater and discovering the actor watching pornographic content while exposing himself, according to UPI.com.
Although he was arrested for lewd conduct, Willard was released from police custody the same night.
While completing the diversion program will avoid a trial, Willard's arrest has taken a toll on his professional life, and PBS fired the actor from its show "Market Warriors" shortly after the July incident.
Also, it was reported at the time that the actor would be replaced on "Antiques Roadshow" by host Mark Walberg, according to the NY Times.
During an appearance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" following his arrest, Willard described the incident as "very painful" and "very embarrassing," but maintained that he "did nothing wrong," according to Fox News.
Willard is well known for his work on the television series "Everybody Loves Raymond" for which he received three Emmy Award nominations.
The actor is also known for his work on Christopher Guest's mockumentary films "This is Spinal Tap," "Waiting for Guffman," "Best in Show," "A Mighty Wind," and "For Your Consideration."
In 2010, Willard was nominated for an Emmy after his guest role on ABC's television series "Modern Family."
Currently, the actor is the host of the television series "Trust Us With Your Life."
Moreover, Willard will appear in the film sequel "Anchorman: The Legend Continues," scheduled for release later this year.
