The former star of ‘Neighbors with Benefits’ also charged with sex crime with a minor
A former reality television personality whose brief brush with fame ended nearly a decade ago is back in the headlines — this time for deeply troubling reasons.
Tony McCollister, once featured on A&E’s short-lived 2015 series “Neighbors with Benefits,” has been arrested in Ohio and is now facing multiple felony charges involving alleged abuse of a minor and animals.
A court has ordered the 43-year-old to remain at least 500 feet away from all animals and children while the case proceeds, according to court documents obtained by TMZ and WLWT.
The charges stem from an incident authorities say occurred on Nov. 23. McCollister was arrested on Dec. 23, and two dogs allegedly involved in the case were immediately taken into custody by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Barry Riley told TMZ the animals are now safe and receiving appropriate care.
A judge set McCollister’s bond at $250,000 and imposed strict conditions on his release, including prohibitions against any contact with minors or animals. Prosecutors have charged him with pandering obscenity involving a minor and unlawful sexual conduct involving an animal.
McCollister is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning, according to Cincinnati-area outlet WLWT.
For viewers who remember “Neighbors with Benefits,” the news adds a grim postscript to a show that was controversial from the start. The A&E series followed couples in an Ohio suburb of Cincinnati who participated in alternative relationship arrangements, presenting their lives as unconventional but consensual. McCollister appeared alongside his wife in the premiere episode, where he spoke candidly about the challenges of explaining their lifestyle to their children.
“I don’t necessarily want this for them,” he said at the time.
Public backlash was swift, and the network canceled the show after just two episodes.
Now, years later, McCollister’s name has resurfaced under far more serious circumstances. He was released from custody after posting bail, and authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Attempts by media outlets to reach McCollister for comment have so far gone unanswered.