Former High School Musical 3 star Matt Prokop, 35, has been arrested in Texas on charges including possession of child pornography and four misdemeanor offenses, according to reports.
Prokop was reportedly taken into custody just before Christmas, with the arrest occurring on Christmas Eve. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault of a family member with a weapon and second-degree felony possession of child pornography. Court dates for his appearances have not yet been announced.
The arrest follows past allegations of abuse from Prokop’s ex-girlfriend, actress Sarah Hyland, who starred alongside him in the 2011 film Geek Charming. Hyland accused Prokop of verbal and physical abuse during their five-year relationship, claiming in court filings that he slammed her into a vehicle and choked her during an argument.
According to the filings, Modern Family star Julie Bowen intervened to help Hyland end the relationship. Hyland was later granted a restraining order, requiring Prokop to stay at least 100 yards away from her and her dog, Barkley Bixby. She also alleged that Prokop threatened to kill her dog and burn down her house. “His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak. I was scared and in fear for my life,” she stated in the documents.
In 2024, Hyland spoke to Variety about the importance of addressing abuse, emphasizing that victims often feel isolated. “If we talk about it more, more women – and men – will feel more comfortable to speak with their loved ones instead of letting their abuser isolate them from everyone,” she said. Hyland added that painful memories from abusive relationships can linger, stating, “It’s almost like you don’t want to talk about it anymore. You want it to be done, and that’s that.”
Prokop has also appeared in television series including Hannah Montana, The Office, Good Luck Charlie, and Modern Family.
