Tony McCollister, a former star of the controversial A&E reality television show 'Neighbors With Benefits', has been taken into custody on disturbing sex crime charges in Ohio. The 43-year-old faces allegations related to a minor and sexual acts with animals, sending shockwaves through the community and his former viewers.
Shocking Charges and Arrest Details
Authorities in Warren County, Ohio, apprehended McCollister on December 23. He has been formally charged with two felonies: pandering obscenity involving a minor and sexual conduct with an animal. Court documents reveal that the investigation began after McCollister allegedly knowingly uploaded child sexual abuse material to his Google account on November 23.
In a deeply disturbing parallel allegation, it is claimed that on that same day in November, McCollister also engaged in sexual conduct with two of his pet dogs. Warren County Sheriff Barry Riley confirmed to media outlet TMZ that the animals were seized from McCollister's custody during the probe and are currently "being well cared for."
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
McCollister was arraigned in court on December 25. Following the hearing, he was able to post bail set at $250,000 and secure his release. However, the court imposed strict pre-trial conditions. He is ordered to have no contact with children or pets until his next court appearance, which is scheduled for December 30 at 11:00 AM.
If convicted on these charges, McCollister could face severe penalties. The potential punishment includes up to 8 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Connection to Co-Defendant and Notorious TV Show
Adding another layer to the case, the address listed for McCollister is a house on Lavender Way, just outside South Lebanon. However, reports from WLWT5 indicate this property is owned by a woman named Erica Grove. Court filings show that Grove has also been charged by Warren County prosecutors with sexual misconduct with an animal. The exact nature of the relationship between McCollister and Grove remains undisclosed at this time.
Tony McCollister came into the public eye as one half of a swinging couple on the A&E reality show 'Neighbors With Benefits' in 2015. The show, set in a suburban Ohio community, featured married couples exploring non-monogamous relationships. In a past interview with Cincinnati’s WXIX, the McCollisters stated they had been in the "swinging" lifestyle for about 12 years. The program was pulled off the air after only two episodes due to significant public outcry over its controversial themes.
This arrest marks a dramatic and dark turn for the former television personality, whose actions, now under legal scrutiny, are far removed from the staged controversies of his short-lived reality TV career.
