Reality TV personality arrested on child exploitation and animal sex charges
An Ohio man who previously appeared on a reality television show about swingers has been arrested and charged with multiple sex-related offences involving a minor and animals, according to local media reports.
Tony McCollister, 43, who starred in the A&E series Neighbors with Benefits, was arrested on Tuesday, December 23, according to jail records cited by WLWT and WKRC. He faces charges of pandering obscenity involving a minor, a felony, and sexual conduct with an animal, a misdemeanor.
Court documents obtained by WLWT allege that McCollister knowingly uploaded child sexual abuse material to his Google account and engaged in sexual acts with two dogs he owned. Authorities said the alleged offences occurred on November 23.
Records show McCollister was living at a home outside South Lebanon, Ohio, owned by a woman identified as Erica Grove. Court filings indicate Grove has also been charged with a misdemeanor count of sexual conduct with an animal and was served with a court summons on December 23. Her relationship to McCollister has not been disclosed, and she did not appear on the television series.
Police have released limited details about the investigation.
If convicted, McCollister could face up to eight years in prison and a fine of up to US$15,000 on the felony charge. A judge set his bond at US$250,000 on December 25 and ordered that he have no contact with children or animals. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 30. Grove is also expected to be arraigned on the same date.
McCollister and his wife appeared as one of three main couples on Neighbors with Benefits when it aired in 2015. The show, which focused on couples involved in a swinging lifestyle, was cancelled after just two episodes following strong viewer backlash.
Authorities reminded the public that suspected cases of child abuse should be reported to the appropriate agencies.
