HICKORY, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crime.

A nationally-known stand-up comedian from Hickory, North Carolina, is now facing a handful of child sexual exploitation charges.

The Hickory Police Department announced the arrest of 53-year-old Jonathan David Reep on Friday, September 5, 2025. Investigators said a cyber tip shared with them in April 2025 led them to searching his electronic devices for child sexual abuse material. He was indicted on September 2 for three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Reep was taken to jail and granted a $260,000 bond. Court records show he will have an initial court appearance on Monday, September 8.

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