A man who appeared on a reality television series chronicling the lives of swinging couples and their families has been arrested for sex crimes involving a minor and animals.
Tony McCollister, a former cast member of A&E’s short-lived series Neighbors With Benefits , was arrested in Warren County, Ohio.
The charges
Prosecutors allege the one-time reality show swinger uploaded child sexual abuse material to a Google account and committed sexual acts involving two dogs he owned, according to court records obtained by Cincinatti TV station WLWT .
The former TV swinger was charged with pandering obscenity involving a minor and engaging in sexual conduct with animals, according to local authorities.
McCollister’s address was listed as a home owned by a woman named Erica Grove, who is also facing a charge of sexual conduct with an animal by prosecutors, according to the court filings.
No arrest record appears for Grove in the Warren County Jail, though documents indicate she was served with a court summons on Dec. 23 — the same day of McCollister’s arrest.
McCollister and Grove’s relationship is unclear as she did not appear on the A&E show.
Swinging series didn’t last long
On the docuseries, McCollister appeared as one half of one of the married swinger couples in an Ohio suburb.
The controversial show, which debuted March 22, 2015, focused on the daily lives of three swinging couples who held jobs, raised their children, and coached their kids’ teams.
A&E’s aim was to challenge the portrayal of swingers and the stereotypes of non-monogamy, but backlash from viewers forced the network to pull the series after just two episodes.
McCollister was arraigned on Christmas Day.
Jail time?
He could face up to eight years behind bars and a $15,000 fine if convicted on the felony pandering obscenity charge.
The lone charge against Grove is a misdemeanour, the outlet reported.
McCollister remains at Warren County Jail. His bond was set at $250,000 bond.
His next court appearance is set for Tuesday.
No plea has been entered.
