Matt Prokop, a former Disney actor, was arrested in Texas on charges of child pornography.

Matt Prokop, a former child actor who is now best known for his roles in Disney Channel productions like "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" and "Geek Charming," has been arrested in "Victoria County, Texas" on a number of serious charges, one of which is allegedly possessing child pornography. The 35-year-old was taken into custody on December 24, 2025, and as the case progresses, he or she is currently being held without bail.

When Prokop was a teenager, he had his most notable work in Hollywood. His work on popular Disney Channel series like "High School Musical 3" and guest roles on shows like "Hannah Montana" once made him a rising star in family entertainment. But nearly two decades after leaving the spotlight, he now faces accusations that could reshape his public legacy.

The Victoria County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Prokop's arrest was caused by alleged breaches of bond conditions related to an earlier arrest in May 2024. In Texas, he was previously accused of aggravated assault and resisting law enforcement. When investigators discovered additional evidence that led to the new charges, those issues remained unresolved, according to the authorities.

A serious crime under Texas law, the current arrest includes a charge of "possession of child pornography" (second-degree felony). Prokop is also accused of violating a protective order or bond condition, evading arrest or detention, two counts of resisting arrest, search, or transportation, and the felony charge of child pornography. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation and the possibility that the disclosure of evidence at this point could jeopardize efforts to bring criminal charges, local authorities have not provided any additional information regarding the child pornography allegations.

A public court date for Prokop has not yet been set as of this writing. Beyond the Texas arrests, Prokop has legal issues. His co-star and former girlfriend, the actress Sarah Hyland, filed a restraining order against him in 2014, claiming that he had abused her verbally and physically during their five-year relationship. During that time, claims were made in court filings that Prokop had choked her, slammed her into a car during an argument, and threatened her with violence after their breakup. Julie Bowen, a co-star on "Modern Family," is said to have helped Hyland end the relationship safely.

In the years since, Hyland has rarely spoken out about the relationship, but in an interview with Variety in 2024, she acknowledged the relationship's long-term emotional impact. She remarked, "I don't know if that part of any woman will ever be fully healed," in light of the fact that the scars left by previous abuse can last for years after the events themselves. Prokop's recent arrest appears to be part of a pattern of legal issues that have followed him since he was a young adult, according to observers. His exit from mainstream Hollywood followed the restraining order and the end of his high-profile connection to the Disney brand, leaving his acting career largely dormant.

Prokop's situation is particularly glaring because of the seriousness of the charges that have been brought against him. While many former child actors face difficulties adjusting to adult life, he is not alone. In Texas and other states, possessing child pornography carries severe penalties, particularly when combined with other offenses like resisting arrest and violating protective orders. He could spend a lot of time in prison and face other consequences if he is found guilty of the felony charge of child pornography.

The arrest of Prokop has sparked a swift and emotional response from the community. The disbelief, condemnation, and concern for the case's potential victims can be seen in discussion threads on social media platforms. Numerous users reminisced about his previous relationship with Hyland and noted how significantly his public profile has evolved since his time at Disney.

Legal professionals caution that a formal charge and arrest alone do not constitute a conviction. In felony cases, defendants still have the right to legal representation, to challenge evidence, and to present defenses in court. All criminal cases, regardless of the defendant's past or public persona, are subject to the standard of presumed innocence until guilt is demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt. If any public backers of Prokop emerge, they may stress the importance of due process, the legal principle that all defendants have the right to fair treatment.

In addition, advocates for victims of sexual offenses frequently consider child pornography possession charges to be among the most serious due to the harm done to those depicted and the broader societal ramifications of such offenses. Court filings, official statements, and legal proceedings are likely to yield additional information as this case develops.

For the time being, Matt Prokop's arrest in Victoria County adds a troubling chapter to the story of a once-prominent child actor whose off-screen behavior has overshadowed his early career accomplishments.