A former reality television personality, known for his appearance on a series about suburban swingers, is now behind bars facing serious felony sex crime charges involving a minor and animals.
Reality Star's Shocking Arrest
Tony McCollister, who was featured on the short-lived A&E docuseries Neighbors With Benefits, was arrested in Warren County, Ohio, on December 23, 2025. According to court documents obtained by Cincinnati's WLWT, McCollister faces two charges: pandering obscenity involving a minor and engaging in sexual conduct with animals.
The allegations state that McCollister uploaded child sexual abuse material to a Google account. Prosecutors also allege he committed sexual acts involving two dogs he owned. McCollister was arraigned on Christmas Day and remains in the Warren County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Connection to Another Suspect
Court filings reveal a troubling connection. McCollister's listed address is a home owned by a woman named Erica Grove. Prosecutors have also charged Grove with one count of sexual conduct with an animal. While no arrest record for Grove appears in the jail's system, documents indicate she was served with a court summons on the same day as McCollister's arrest.
The nature of McCollister and Grove's relationship is unclear, as Grove did not appear on the television show. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, and no plea has been entered yet.
Brief and Controversial TV Stint
McCollister's claim to fame was his role on Neighbors With Benefits, which aired for only two episodes in March 2015 before being pulled by A&E due to significant viewer backlash. The series aimed to document the everyday lives of three swinging couples in an Ohio suburb, showing them balancing jobs, family, and community activities.
The network intended to challenge stereotypes about non-monogamous lifestyles, but the controversial subject matter proved too much for audiences at the time, leading to the show's swift cancellation.
Potential Legal Consequences
If convicted on the felony pandering obscenity charge, McCollister could face up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine. The single charge against Erica Grove is a misdemeanor.
This case adds to a string of disturbing incidents involving former reality TV personalities and serious criminal allegations, highlighting a dark side of fleeting fame.
