GOLDSBORO, N.C. — Comedian Jonathan David Reep, known professionally as Jon Reep, who was announced to be performing tonight at the Paramount Theatre located Downtown, has been arrested on multiple felony charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors, according to the Hickory Police Department.

The 53-year-old Hickory native was taken into custody Friday and faces one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and nine counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Investigation Details

The investigation began when the Hickory Police Department received an Internet Crimes Against Children cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning child sexual abuse material on April 15. Authorities determined that the account associated with the cyber tip belonged to Reep.

Following the initial investigation, police executed a search warrant at the location linked to the IP address from the cyber tip. Electronic devices were seized during the search, and investigators completed digital forensic analysis of the devices and other online communications.

Legal Proceedings

Detectives submitted the case to the Catawba County District Attorney’s office, which issued a true bill indictment on September 2. Reep was arrested three days later on September 5.

He is currently being held at the Catawba County Detention Facility under a $260,000 secured bond. A District Court appearance is scheduled for Monday, September 8.

Police have not released additional details about the investigation at this time.