Former Disney Channel actor Matt Prokop, 35, was arrested in Victoria County, Texas, on Dec. 24 and remains in custody without bond. He now faces a series of charges, with one added just days after his initial booking.

Prokop was initially arrested for violating bond conditions and resisting police, but authorities later added a child pornography charge following a warrant issued on Dec. 31, 2025.

According to statements from law enforcement and court documents obtained by outlets including TMZ and Crossroads Today, the new charge of possession or promotion of child pornography emerged nearly a week after his Christmas Eve arrest. That arrest stemmed from alleged violations related to a previous bond arrangement and incidents involving evasion and resistance at the time of apprehension.

Prokop remains at the Victoria County Jail. Attempts by news outlets, including the Daily Mail, to obtain statements from either the jail or Prokop’s representative have so far gone unanswered. The investigation is being handled by the Victoria Police Department in coordination with local authorities.

New Charges Follow Previous Assault Allegations

This is not Prokop’s first encounter with law enforcement in recent years. In May 2024, he was arrested in Texas following accusations from his girlfriend, who said he physically assaulted her during a weekend trip, as the Daily Mail reports. Officers responded to her report and later located the couple during a follow-up call about a separate disturbance.

Police at the scene determined the woman had obvious injuries. Reports from the incident indicate that Prokop allegedly pushed her and struck her head against a solid object. In that instance as well, he reportedly resisted arrest and attempted to flee from officers before being detained.

Those earlier allegations came roughly a decade after Prokop gained public attention for his past relationship with actress Sarah Hyland, whom he met during auditions for Disney’s “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” Hyland later accused Prokop of sustained abuse during their relationship and sought legal protection through the courts.

Sarah Hyland’s Legal Actions Revisited

In August 2014, Hyland filed a restraining order, supported by claims of both physical and verbal abuse. According to court filings, she described an incident in which Prokop reportedly held her by the neck so tightly she could not breathe. “I was scared and in fear for my life,” she said in her sworn statement.

Following that report, Prokop entered a rehabilitation facility. The facility later contacted Hyland, reportedly warning her about his mental condition prior to his discharge and advising her to pursue further legal protection. The court initially issued a temporary restraining order that was later made permanent in October 2014.

That order required Prokop to maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from Hyland, her residence, and her dog. At the time, both actors had collaborated professionally on the Disney film Geek Charming and also appeared together on an episode of Modern Family.

Former Disney Career and Public Image

Prokop’s early career included several roles aimed at young audiences, including movies like Struck by Lightning and April Apocalypse.  He was later credited as a producer on Hyland’s 2015 film “See You In Valhalla. But his acting career appeared to stall in the years following the 2014 domestic violence allegations.

No new acting credits have been listed for Prokop in major entertainment databases in recent years. Industry commentators note that his ongoing legal troubles and serious allegations may have significantly disrupted his professional trajectory. With additional criminal charges now pending, any potential return to public work appears unlikely in the immediate future.

The issue has sparked debate over accountability for former child stars—and whether fame at an early age offers them protection or complicates their actions later in life.

Lessons to Learn

1. Legal history matters in background checks: Individuals with legal histories, especially involving prior allegations of violence, must be held accountable consistently. Situations like this highlight the importance of thorough vetting when public figures are reintroduced into public-facing roles.

2. Trust early warning signs during relationships: Hyland’s account reveals how dangerous behaviors can escalate over time. Whether you're in a private or public relationship, it's important not to ignore repeated verbal or physical mistreatment, and to seek help as soon as you're able.

3. Be cautious when handling public allegations: False accusations are rare, but not impossible. However, consistent patterns of behavior over the years, reported by multiple sources and documented in court records, need to be taken seriously. Still, crime can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of precautions. Victims are never to blame for abuse or criminal acts committed against them.

Why This Story Matters

This story resonates because it involves a figure who once starred in youth-focused media and was trusted by a generation of audiences.

It also shines a continued light on the dangers of excusing problematic behavior, particularly when those involved are in positions of former fame. The legal proceedings and public reaction offer a lens through which we can evaluate how justice operates across celebrity lines.