Smokey Robinson, the soulful voice behind some of Motown’s most timeless classics, is now at the center of a criminal investigation stemming from serious sexual assault allegations.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has opened an investigation into criminal allegations against Smokey Robinson after four of his former staffers accused him of sexual assault.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Thursday that it has opened a criminal investigation into rape and sexual assault allegations against Motown music luminary Smokey Robinson. The department said in a statement that its Special Victims Bureau is “actively investigating criminal allegations” against Robinson.