Tony McCollister, a former cast member of the A&E reality series ‘Neighbors With Benefits,’ has been arrested in Ohio on felony charges involving child sexual abuse material and sexual conduct with animals, marking a stark fall from his televised persona. McCollister was taken into custody in Warren County on Tuesday, December 27, 2025, and charged with pandering obscenity involving a minor and engaging in sexual conduct with animals, according to local authorities. The arrest followed an investigation that uncovered evidence tied to his online accounts and personal conduct.
Prior to his arrest, McCollister was known for his role on ‘Neighbors With Benefits,’ a short-lived 2015 docuseries that followed married couples in an Ohio suburb who openly practiced swinging while raising children and maintaining professional lives. He and his wife, Diana, were depicted as leaders in the community, hosting events and recruiting new members to the lifestyle. The show aimed to challenge stereotypes about non-monogamy, but was canceled after only two episodes due to viewer backlash.
The specific allegations against McCollister include knowingly uploading child sexual abuse material to a Google account and committing sexual acts with two dogs he owned, as detailed in court records cited by local news station WLWT. These charges are serious felonies under Ohio law and carry the potential for substantial prison sentences upon conviction. Authorities have not publicly detailed how the investigation began or when the alleged crimes occurred, but evidence was uncovered during the probe.
Following his arrest, McCollister was arraigned and is being held on a $250,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 30, 2025, and has been ordered to have no contact with children or pets. No plea has been entered at this time, and prosecutors have not ruled out additional charges as the investigation continues. His mugshot shows a blank expression, contrasting sharply with his curated television image.
The reality show that brought McCollister into the public eye, ‘Neighbors With Benefits,’ debuted on March 22, 2015, but was canceled after just two episodes amid swift viewer backlash. A&E announced it would not air the remaining episodes, effectively shelving the series despite several episodes having been filmed. The network had initially promoted the show as a look at ordinary people navigating unconventional relationships in a traditional setting.
McCollister’s arrest starkly contrasts with the image he projected on television, where he and his wife emphasized open communication and the normalcy of their lifestyle. In past interviews, they stated that swinging had been a positive part of their marriage for over a decade and hoped the show would challenge stereotypes. The current charges have drawn renewed scrutiny to the controversial program and its participants, highlighting the gap between portrayed and actual behavior.
As the case moves forward, legal experts note that the allegations could result in lengthy incarceration if McCollister is found guilty. The ongoing probe may uncover further details, and the court proceedings will determine the next steps in this high-profile case that blends celebrity culture with grave criminal accusations. Community reactions have been mixed, with some expressing shock and others calling for justice.
In summary, this case underscores the serious legal consequences of sex crimes and the potential downfall of public figures involved in such acts. It also revisits the ethics of reality television programming that explores sensitive lifestyles. The outcome will depend on the judicial process and further evidence presented in court.
