In Victoria County, Texas, actor Matt Prokop, 35, was arrested on December 24, facing serious legal accusations. Victoria County Jail officials confirmed the arrest, which includes a second-degree felony charge for possession of child pornography, a charge carrying significant weight under Texas law.
Alongside the felony, Prokop confronts four misdemeanor counts. These are violation of a bond or protective order, evading arrest or detention, and two counts of resisting arrest, search, or transportation. Additionally, there is an outstanding warrant for Prokop's arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon related to a case of dating or family violence.
The incidents leading to these charges are reportedly separate, highlighting the actor's continued legal struggles. Prokop first gained public recognition in the late 2000s with his role in Disney's "High School Musical 3" and subsequent lead in the TV movie "Geek Charming."
This recent arrest has brought renewed scrutiny, shining a light on Prokop's past, particularly his former relationship with actress Sarah Hyland. Hyland, widely known for "Modern Family," had previously accused Prokop of verbal and physical abuse throughout their five-year relationship, which ended in 2014. Court documents from that time detailed an altercation where Prokop allegedly assaulted Hyland.
Hyland's ordeal with Prokop drew attention to the broader issue of domestic abuse, with the actress describing the enduring trauma in an October 2024 Variety interview. She spoke candidly about the long-lasting impact of abusive relationships on survivors, emphasizing the deep emotional scars that persist.
Prokop is currently held at the Victoria County Jail as the legal process unfolds. Given the severity of the felony charge, if convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence, marking a profound downturn in what was once a promising acting career.
