LAPD searches home of Israeli-born Kiss rock star Gene Simmons

Authorities said neither Simmons or his family were the targets of their inquiry.

By REUTERS
Updated: AUGUST 21, 2015 17:15
Gene Simmons of KISS gestures as he attends the 88th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York (photo credit: REUTERS)
Gene Simmons of KISS gestures as he attends the 88th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Los Angeles police recently searched the home of Kiss rock singer Gene Simmons but said neither Simmons or his family were the targets of their inquiry.
The search on Thursday was conducted by members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a Los Angeles Police Department spokeswoman said, but gave no further details.
"None of the family is a suspect in this investigation," officer Nuria Vanegas said.
A representative for Simmons told NBC news that the police visit was to "discuss a crime that may have occurred on their property last year while Mr. Simmons was away on tour with KISS."
"Neither Mr. Simmons nor any member of his family is a person of interest in the investigation and they are cooperating fully with the investigation," the representative said in a statement.
Simmons' wife Shannon thanked fans for their support in a Twitter message late on Thursday, adding "We couldn't be more horrified that someone used our residence for such heinous crimes. Law enforcement is on it."
Simmons, whose original name is Chaim Witz and who was born in Haifa, co-founded metal band Kiss in the early 1970s and appeared with his family in TV reality show "Gene Simmons Family Jewels" for seven years until it ended in 2012.
He was most recently in Israel in 2011 to film an episode for the reality show.
“It’s amazing to be back here,” said the outspoken Kiss co-founder.
“One thing that’s striking is that I never remember seeing so many yarmulkes here. It’s all of a sudden teeming with hassidim – hassidim, but I don’t believe ’em,’ said Simmons, like a rapper. “I’m used to Israel as a secular place where people just are Israelis."
"I much prefer it as a modern, not-so-archaic-looking place.”