Comedian Jon Reep, a Hickory native best known for winning NBC’s Last Comic Standing, has been arrested on multiple child exploitation charges in North Carolina.
Authorities confirmed that a grand jury indicted Reep on several counts of second- and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He appeared before a magistrate in Newton on Friday following his arrest.
Reep, 52, had been scheduled to perform a stand-up show in Goldsboro, North Carolina, later that evening. It is unclear at this time whether the performance will proceed or be canceled in light of the charges.
According to his official website, Reep rose to national fame after winning Season 5 of Last Comic Standing with the most audience votes. His career includes appearances in Netflix’s Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo and his Amazon Prime comedy special Ginger Beard Man.
The charges against Reep come amid growing law enforcement efforts in North Carolina to combat child exploitation. Earlier this week, authorities in Gastonia announced a separate arrest in another child exploitation case.
Reep’s arrest marks a dramatic turn for the comedian, who built a career on his Southern upbringing and comedic storytelling. Neither Reep nor his representatives have issued a public statement regarding the charges.
This case is still developing. Updates will be provided as more details become available from court proceedings and local law enforcement.
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