An Ohio man who once appeared on a reality show about swingers is now facing disturbing sex crime charges.
According to local outlets WLWT and WKRC, 43-year-old Tony McCollister was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 23. Jail records show he has been charged with pandering obscenity involving a minor and sexual conduct with an animal.
Court documents obtained by WLWT allege McCollister knowingly uploaded child sexual abuse material to his Google account and engaged in sexual conduct with two different dogs he owned. Authorities say both alleged crimes occurred on Nov. 23.
Investigators say McCollister lives at a home just outside South Lebanon, Ohio, owned by a woman identified as Erica Grove. Court records indicate Grove is also facing a misdemeanor charge of sexual conduct with an animal and was served with a court summons on Dec. 23. Her relationship to McCollister has not been made public.
McCollister previously appeared on the A&E reality series Neighbors with Benefits, which followed couples involved in the swinger lifestyle. The show aired in 2015 and was canceled after just two episodes following viewer backlash. Grove did not appear on the series.
Sexual conduct with an animal is classified as a misdemeanor under Ohio law. Pandering obscenity involving a minor is a felony and carries a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine if McCollister is convicted.
A judge set McCollister’s bond at $250,000 on Thursday, Dec. 25. He was also ordered to have no contact with children or pets. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 30. Grove is expected to be arraigned the same day.
Authorities have not released additional details about the investigation.
Anyone who suspects child abuse is urged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). The hotline is available 24/7 and calls are confidential.