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'He hopes his good name will be restored': Dukes of Hazzard's Tom Wopat issues apology and says he's aiming for sobriety after indecent assault arrest

By Associated Press and Dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 10:25 EDT, 8 August 2017 | Updated: 15:11 EDT, 8 August 2017

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The Dukes of Hazzard star Tom Wopat says he'll be taking time to address his ongoing struggle with substance abuse following his arrest in Massachusetts on indecent assault and battery charges.

Wopat pleaded not guilty Thursday to grabbing the buttocks of a female member of a local production of 42nd Street he was supposed to star in. Police said they found what they suspect to be cocaine in the actor's possession.

A statement issued by his rep on Tuesday read: 'Mr. Wopat will be taking personal time to address his ongoing struggle with substance abuse,

Actor Tom Wopat has expressed regret over his actions after he allegedly groped a female member of a local production of 42nd Street. He is pictured in court on Thursday

'Tom definitely understands that sobriety is the sole course for a successful future and will take immediate steps to achieve it.'

The actor apologized to all those affected by the incident but still 'firmly denies' the allegations of inappropriate touching.

'Mr. Wopat urges everyone to keep in mind that these are allegations; he's alleged to have improperly touched an adult female performer during rehearsal in the presence of the entire cast and directing staff,' his rep. said.

'Tom has faith that the truth will be revealed and his good name will be restored.'

The statement also hinted at 'death and illness in the family' combined with the 'intensity of his recent schedule' contributed to the misstep.

'The truth will be revealed': In a statement issued by his rep, Tom apologizes to 'all those affected' but still firmly denies the allegations

Road to recovery: The actor's rep said 'Tom definitely understands that sobriety is the sole course for a successful future and will take immediate steps to achieve it.'

The 65-year-old Tony Award-nominated actor played Luke Duke on the 1980s television show The Dukes of Hazzard. Wopat was supposed to play Julian Marsh in 42nd Street at the Waltham-based Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston but has been replaced since he was alleged to have inappropriately touched the woman July 23.

According to the police report, on July 23 during rehearsals, Wopat walked behind a woman on set. She claims she felt his hand grab her butt and felt his fingers go between her butt cheeks, according to TMZ.

Wopat was released on $1,000 bail and was told to stay away from the woman.

Police said they searched him and his vehicle and found two bags of white powder believed to be cocaine. He told police he buys cocaine 'in large quantities and uses it over time,' the court documents said.