'Modern Family's Fred Willard to avoid charges in lewd conduct arrest

Fred Willard will apparently have the chance to avoid facing criminal prosecution for his recent arrest in Los Angeles.

The Modern Family actor was apprehended by police on Wednesday (July 18) for indulging in "lewd conduct" at an adult theatre.

Willard denied the allegations, claiming that the arrest was a "misunderstanding" between himself and law enforcement.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the actor has been given the choice to sign up for a counselling course in order to ensure he does not face charges.

District Attorney's Office spokesperson Frank Mateljan explains: "I want to stress this was and is a filable case, and should the defendant choose not to enrol or not complete the programme, we have the option of filing criminal charges within a year… Should he complete the course, we will consider the matter closed."

The 72-year-old actor was recently fired from his job as narrator of the PBS reality series Market Warriors.