Comedian Jon Reep Arrested in North Carolina: What We Know

American comedian Jon Reep has been arrested in North Carolina on child sexual exploitation charges. Authorities confirmed the 53-year-old performer was taken into custody on Friday, September 5. He was booked into the Catawba County Detention Facility with bond set at $260,000.

Police said the charges followed a months-long investigation. The case began after a cyber tip was shared with the Hickory Police Department earlier this year. A grand jury later indicted Reep on multiple counts connected to child sexual abuse material.

Details of Jon Reep’s Arrest and Charges

According to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Reep faces one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and nine counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The investigation started in April when the Hickory Police Department received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Detectives executed a search warrant at his residence and seized electronic devices. Officials said evidence linked the comedian to illegal material. The grand jury handed down indictments on September 2.

Reep posted bond on the same day of his arrest. He was scheduled to perform in Goldsboro, North Carolina, that evening, according to his official website. Law enforcement agencies, including the Hickory Police Department, confirmed the arrest in public statements. Outlets such as USA TODAY and Associated Press also reported the case.

Who Is Jon Reep? His Career and Background

Reep is widely known as the “Hemi Guy” from Dodge Ram Truck commercials launched in 2004. His career in comedy took off when he won NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2007. He also appeared in the ABC sitcom Rodney and has performed stand-up across the United States.

Born and raised in Hickory, North Carolina, Reep graduated from N.C. State University in 1997. He began his stand-up career at Goodnight’s Comedy Club in Raleigh. Over the years, he built a reputation as a popular touring comic and actor.

Reep also hosts the Fried! podcast with fellow comedian Sarah Tiana. He has performed at major festivals, including the Nashville Comedy Festival. Until now, he had maintained a successful career spanning more than two decades.

Impact and Next Steps in the Case

The charges against Reep carry serious penalties under North Carolina law. A conviction for second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is a felony offense. Legal experts note such cases often involve lengthy trials and heavy scrutiny.

Authorities have not confirmed whether Reep has legal representation or entered a plea. His next court appearance is expected in the coming weeks. The arrest has already drawn wide attention due to his public profile.

Reep’s future in comedy and entertainment remains uncertain. Many upcoming shows and appearances may be canceled or postponed. The case underscores how cyber tip lines and digital evidence play a central role in child exploitation investigations.

Jon Reep arrested news has raised major concerns in his hometown and across the comedy industry. The legal process will determine his fate, but his career faces a serious test.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was comedian Jon Reep arrested?

He was arrested on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor after investigators linked him to illegal material. The arrest followed a cyber tip in April.

Q2: What charges does Jon Reep face?

He faces one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and nine counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Q3: Where was Jon Reep arrested?

He was arrested in Hickory, North Carolina, and booked into the Catawba County Detention Facility.

Q4: What is Jon Reep known for?

He is best known as the “Hemi Guy” from Dodge Ram ads and as the winner of NBC’s *Last Comic Standing* in 2007. He also hosted the *Fried!* podcast.

Q5: What happens next in Jon Reep’s case?

He posted bond and awaits his next court appearance. The legal process will move forward based on the grand jury indictment.

Trusted Sources

USA TODAY, Associated Press, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Hickory Police Department