A former reality television participant in the United States has been charged with multiple serious offences following a months-long police investigation in Ohio.
Tony McCollister, who appeared in the 2015 series Neighbours with Benefits, has been accused of committing a range of crimes involving a young child and animals. He is facing dozens of felony charges, including r@pe, s3xual exploitation and animal abuse.
The 43-year-old was arrested in late December together with his partner, Erica Lynne Grove, who authorities say also played a role in the alleged offences.
According to investigators in Warren County, the case emerged after a six-month inquiry uncovered disturbing digital evidence. Prosecutors allege the pair committed acts involving animals and also drugged and s3xually @ssaulted a ch!ld under the age of six.
Warren County prosecutor David Fornshell said the discovery deeply affected those handling the case, stating: “Just when we thought that s3x with the dogs was going to be the most horrific part of this case, the detectives discovered evidence of the drugging and r@ping of a l!ttle girl.” He added: “We’re reviewing the evidence, and it’s just silence. It’s really difficult to even process.”
Authorities said additional child abuse material connected to the same victim was also recovered. The investigation was triggered after Google flagged illegal content to the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, linking it to an IP address allegedly used by McCollister.
Court records show McCollister has been ordered to stay at least 500 feet away from the animals involved. Barry Riley, the county sheriff, confirmed the animals were seized and are now safe.
McCollister has been indicted on 30 charges, while Grove faces 24 counts relating to similar allegations. Both defendants remain in custody and are expected to enter pleas at the Warren County Common Pleas Court.
The case is ongoing, and authorities say further legal proceedings will determine the outcome.
