U.S. actor and comedian Jon Reep, best known for his appearance in Dodge commercials and as the Season 5 winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing (2007), has been arrested and charged with 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor in North Carolina.
According to court documents, the charges include one count of second-degree and nine counts of third-degree exploitation. Authorities revealed that the case was triggered by a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which led investigators to open a probe into Reep’s online activities.
Following a grand jury indictment, Reep was taken into custody by law enforcement and later released on a $260,000 secured bond. He is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks to face the charges.
So far, neither Reep nor his representatives have issued a public statement regarding the case.
A Career Overshadowed
Jon Reep rose to national fame after winning Last Comic Standing in 2007, which catapulted him into the comedy spotlight. He later featured in a number of TV shows and commercials, including his memorable role in the Dodge “That thing got a HEMI?” campaign.
His arrest has sent shockwaves through the U.S. entertainment industry and among fans, many of whom have taken to social media to express shock, disappointment, and concern over the allegations.
What Comes Next
Legal experts note that if convicted, Reep could face lengthy prison time and mandatory sex offender registration. The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as prosecutors present their case.
The allegations highlight the critical role organizations like the NCMEC play in tracking online exploitation and alerting authorities to potential abuse cases.