Los Angeles police have confirmed they have opened an investigation into rape allegations against comedian Bill Cosby, 77.  A spokesperson with the department confirmed the LAPD is looking into allegations that Cosby sexually assaulted Judy Huth in 1974 at the Playboy mansion.

After being asked by the media, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck stated that the department would investigate any allegations reported to them by potential Cosby victims. Chief Beck called for potential victims to come forward, even if the statute of limitations has expired.

The move by the LAPD is seen as an effort to establish a behavior pattern in older sexual assault crimes in the event the suspect is charged in a more current, and prosecutable case. TMZ reported that LAPD detectives are requesting Cosby meet with them to get a statement on record. It is not expected that Cosby will make any statement except through his lawyer.

Attorneys for Judy Huth filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles last Tuesday. Cosby’s attorney’s immediately dismissed the allegations calling them false and claiming that Huth was trying to extort the comedian. Friday, Huth met with Los Angeles Police detectives for 90 minutes. LAPD spokesperson, Officer Jane Kim announced the opening of an investigation based on allegations that Huth made.

In the civil suit Huth alleges that Cosby took her to a party at the Playboy mansion and told her to lie about her age so she could get in. She alleges that after giving her alchoholic drinks, Cosby lured her to a bedroom and assaulted her.

According to a statement from Cosby’s attorney Martin Singer, the lawsuit filed by Huth should be dismissed due to the fact that the allegations are 40 years old and the State of California’s ten-year statute of limitations has expired. At least 15 women have accused Cosby of various acts ranging from unwanted groping to drugging and rape.

On Friday, the most recent alleged victim, P.J. Harvey, spoke with CNN claiming that Cosby assaulted her in 1979. In the interview Harvey, a former Playboy bunny, accused Cosby of drugging her and giving her alcohol at a hotel in Chicago. She claims she later woke up naked and believes she was raped. Harvey also claims to have knowledge of numerous other bunnies that were allegedly assaulted by Cosby.

Law and Order SVU actress, Michelle Hurd, has made accusations that Cosby inappropriately touched her on the set of  The Cosby Show. Hurd worked as an extra on the popular TV sitcom. The Cosby Show made the popular comedian a household name in the 1990’s due to it portraying Cosby as a dedicated family man and its incorporation of family values in the storyline.

The most outspoken accuser of Cosby has been former model turned reality TV star, Janice Dickinson. Dickinson has appeared on multiple news broadcasts claiming that Cosby assaulted her in 1982. Appearing on HLN, Dickinson alleges that Cosby drugged her with pills and wine before assaulting her at a Lake Tahoe hotel.

As a result of the multiple allegations against Cosby, cable TV channel TV land has pulled its planned syndication of Cosby Show reruns. The U.S. Navy revoked the honorary title given to Cosby of Honorary Chief Petty Officer. Over the weekend Cosby’s star on the Hollywood walk of fame was vandalized. Cosby received his star in 1979.