Tony McCollister, a former participant on A&E’s reality show ‘Neighbors with Benefits,’ was arrested in Warren County, Ohio, on charges of pandering obscenity involving a minor and sexual conduct with an animal, with authorities confiscating his pets and placing them in care. The arrest, which occurred on December 23, 2025, has drawn significant attention due to McCollister’s television background and the nature of the allegations.
McCollister, who gained brief fame on the short-lived 2015 series that documented swinger couples, was taken into custody following an investigation by local law enforcement. According to reports from TMZ and The Economic Times, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that animals were seized from McCollister during the probe and are being well cared for, though specific details about the pets were initially withheld.
Court documents accessed by WLWT5 reveal that the charges stem from McCollister uploading child sexual abuse material to a Google account and committing sexual acts involving two dogs he owned. This led to his arrest on Tuesday, with bail set at $250,000 during his arraignment later in the week. McCollister satisfied the bail and was released under strict conditions, including orders to have no contact with children or animals.
The legal proceedings have moved quickly, with McCollister scheduled to return to court on December 30, 2025. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine for the felony pandering charge, while the animal conduct charge is also being treated seriously under Ohio law. The swift action by authorities highlights the gravity of the accusations in a case that blends celebrity notoriety with criminal allegations.
In a related development, Erica Grove, whose home address was linked to McCollister, is facing a misdemeanor charge of sexual conduct with an animal. According to WLWT, court records show she was served a summons on December 23, though she has not been arrested. Grove, who was not featured on the reality show, is set to be arraigned separately, with the relationship between her and McCollister remaining unclear as the investigation continues.
McCollister’s arrest has reignited discussions about the 2015 show ‘Neighbors with Benefits,’ which was canceled after just two episodes amid public backlash. The series, which followed McCollister and his then-wife Diana McCollister swinging with other couples, faced criticism for its content, and Diana has since confirmed their divorce and distanced herself from the current case. The show’s brief run and subsequent cancellation add a layer of infamy to McCollister’s legal troubles.
The case has implications for how reality TV personalities are perceived in legal contexts, with McCollister’s past on television amplifying media coverage. Authorities have emphasized that the animals involved are safe, but the allegations have sparked outrage and concern within the community. As the court dates approach, the focus will be on the evidence presented and the potential outcomes for both McCollister and Grove.
Looking ahead, the next steps involve further court hearings where pleas are expected to be entered. The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has committed to thorough investigation, and the case may set precedents for similar charges in the region. With public interest high, the proceedings will be closely watched, underscoring the intersection of entertainment and criminal justice in high-profile arrests.
