Prosecutor says tip last summer led detectives to videos and other evidence.
UNION TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A Warren County grand jury has indicted Tony McCollister and Erica Lynne Grove on dozens of charges after investigators said the Union Township couple drugged and raped a girl under age six and recorded sexual acts with two dogs. Arraignments are set for Wednesday in Common Pleas Court.
Prosecutors said the case began with a June 2025 tip to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that was forwarded to local authorities. Detectives traced the report to a user account and obtained warrants that, they said, turned up child sexual abuse material as well as video of alleged acts with animals. The investigation later expanded to include accusations the child was repeatedly drugged and assaulted. The couple, both 43, are being held ahead of their first court appearance as the county outlines the full scope of the alleged crimes.
According to the prosecutor’s office, sheriff’s detectives linked the online report to McCollister’s account and recovered files that prompted additional searches. Officials said evidence shows McCollister and Grove engaged in “various types of sexual conduct” with two dogs and produced recordings. As detectives reviewed more data, they said they found material involving a girl younger than six and indications the child was drugged for assaults that occurred between August 2024 and December 2025. “It’s really difficult to process,” Prosecutor David Fornshell said, noting seasoned investigators were stunned by the details. The dogs were removed and placed in a safe location, authorities said.
McCollister faces 30 counts, including four counts of rape, five counts of gross sexual imposition, corrupting another with drugs, three counts of endangering children, 13 counts related to pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor or impaired person and four misdemeanor counts of sexual conduct with an animal. Grove faces 24 counts, including four counts of rape, corrupting another with drugs, eight counts related to illegal use of a minor or impaired person in nudity-oriented material or performance, two counts of endangering children and four misdemeanor counts of sexual conduct with an animal. Investigators have not publicly described how the child knew the defendants, and officials say the possibility of other victims remains under review.
Authorities said McCollister appeared in 2015 on the short-lived A&E program “Neighbors with Benefits,” which filmed in suburban Warren County, but the show has no stated connection to the current charges. Court records indicate a grand jury returned the indictments after a months-long review of digital evidence, interviews and search results. The alleged crimes span multiple dates across 2024 and 2025, according to the prosecutor’s summary. Animal control, child protection workers and digital forensics teams assisted the sheriff’s office as the case widened from an initial animal-sex investigation to allegations of child rape.
Both defendants are expected to appear for arraignment on Wed., Feb. 4, where a judge will set bond and next steps. If the case advances, prosecutors could seek additional counts depending on what further analysis shows. Pretrial dates have not been announced. Officials said they will continue to examine devices and records already seized under warrant. No trial timeline has been set, and the court has not appointed a final schedule for motions or discovery filings.
On Monday afternoon, Fornshell described a conference room that fell silent as investigators scrolled through evidence of the child’s assaults. Outside the courthouse, people arriving to file routine paperwork paused at the mention of the case, and deputies said they have fielded steady inquiries since the indictments were announced. Jail booking logs list both defendants at age 43. A spokesperson said the dogs taken from the residence are receiving care. Neighbors in Union Township said patrol cars were at the address during the searches last year but did not realize the scope of the investigation until now.
As of Tuesday evening, both remained in custody pending arraignment Wednesday in Warren County Common Pleas Court. Prosecutors said they will provide an update on charging documents and scheduling after the initial hearings conclude.
Author note: Last updated February 3, 2026.