Gary Busey was charged with sex crimes and harassment at a fan convention in New Jersey

• Actor Gary Busey was charged Friday with sex offenses related to an incident at a fan convention.
• The Cherry Hill Police Department responded to reports of a "sex offense" the weekend of August 12.

Actor Gary Busey was charged Friday with sex crimes and harassment related to an incident at a New Jersey fan gathering called the Monster Mania Convention, the Cherry Hill Police Department confirmed.

Cherry Hill Police released a statement Saturday indicating they responded to reports of "a sex offense" at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where the convention was held during the weekend of August 12.

Following an investigation, police charged the 78-year-old "The Buddy Holly Story" star with two counts of criminal sexual contact, one count of attempted criminal sexual contact and one count of "Harassment - Disorderly Persons Offense."

According to New Jersey state code, criminal sexual contact charges carry with them a prison sentence of up to 18 months and a fine up to $10,000. The harassment charge carries with it a potential $500 fine and 30 days in jail.

In a statement released through a lawyer, Monster Mania Convention LLC said it was aware of an incident between an "attendee and a celebrity guest" and was cooperating with investigating authorities.

"Immediately upon receiving a complaint from the attendee, the celebrity guest was removed from the convention and instructed not to return," the statement, tweeted by Fox29 reporter Eddi Kadhim, said. "Monster-Mania also encouraged the attendees to contact the police to file a report."

The charges were not the first legal troubles for the "Lethal Weapon" and "Point Break," actor. In 2011, Busey was sued over an accusation that he drunkenly tackled a woman at an airport while trying to cut in line. He later filed for bankruptcy.

Representatives for Busey did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.