Comedian Jon Reep Arrested on Child Sexual Exploitation Charges

GOLDSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 5, 2025) - Hickory native and “Last Comic Standing” winner Jon Reep was arrested on multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after a grand jury indictment, and is being held on a $260,000 bond.

Nut Graf Reep’s arrest follows an Internet Crimes Against Children tip that prompted a months-long digital investigation. The charges allege possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, casting a shadow over his career as a touring comedian.

Investigation Details

Authorities received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on April 15, linking online abuse material to an account traced to Reep. A subsequent search warrant executed at the address tied to the IP address yielded electronic devices, which forensic experts say contained incriminating evidence.

  • Indictment: A Catawba County grand jury returned true bills for one count of second-degree and nine counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor on Sept. 2.
  • Arrest: Reep was booked Sept. 5 and held in the Catawba County Detention Facility under a $260,000 secured bond.
  • Next Appearance: A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 8 in Newton District Court.

Show Impact

Reep was slated to perform at Goldsboro’s Paramount Theatre on Sept. 5, but the show was cancelled following his arrest. Ticket holders have been notified of refunds through Event Tickets Center.

Background

Jon Reep, 53, gained prominence by winning NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2007 and has since appeared in film and television roles, including a recurring part on HBO’s Eastbound & Down and a standup special on Amazon Prime.

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