Former Disney Channel actor Matt Prokop has been hit with a serious new charge of possessing child pornography, following a dramatic arrest at his Texas apartment on Christmas Eve. The 35-year-old, already facing an aggravated assault charge from 2024, was taken into custody after violating his bond conditions.
Violent Arrest and Additional Charges
Law enforcement officers arrived at Prokop's residence in Victoria, Texas, on 24 December to arrest him for breaching the terms of his bond. According to reports from TMZ, the disgraced star was far from cooperative. Prokop opened his door only to immediately slam it shut in the faces of the police. Officers managed to gain entry regardless.
During the arrest, Prokop actively resisted by pulling his arms away and twisting his body to avoid being handcuffed. This confrontation led to two additional misdemeanour charges for evading and resisting arrest. He was subsequently booked into the Victoria County Sheriff's Office Jail, where his bail is set at $117,500.
A Disturbing New Year's Eve Discovery
The case took a more sinister turn on New Year's Eve. Following his arrest, law enforcement allegedly discovered illicit material on his devices. Prokop was charged with possession of child pornography after officials found between 10 and 50 illegal depictions. This felony charge adds to his growing list of legal troubles.
In total, the 5ft 11in suspect now faces two felony counts and four misdemeanour charges. His career has been dormant since 2014, the same year his personal troubles first became public.
A History of Abuse Allegations
Prokop's current legal predicament is not his first association with violent behaviour. The initial aggravated assault charge relates to an alleged attack on his former fiancée. In an exclusive statement to the Daily Mail last Saturday, the woman described the lasting impact of her ordeal.
"After many years of abuse, the effects are still very real and continue to impact my life," she said. "Right now, I'm taking time to heal privately... Taking this time does not lessen the seriousness or harm of his actions."
This follows a well-documented history of abuse. In 2014, his 'Geek Charming' co-star Sarah Hyland filed a domestic violence restraining order against him. Court documents from the 'Modern Family' actress detailed a four-year relationship marred by physical and verbal abuse.
"His grip [on my neck] was so tight that I could not breathe or speak," Hyland stated. "I was scared and in fear for my life." In a 2024 interview with Variety, Hyland revealed she is still 'triggered' by her experience as a domestic violence survivor.
Prokop is best known for playing Jimmie 'The Rocket Man' Zara in the 2008 film 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year', which earned over $252.9 million globally. He also made guest appearances on shows like 'Hannah Montana', 'The Office', and 'Modern Family'. The Daily Mail approached his representatives for comment on the latest allegations but received no immediate response.
