High School Musical actor Matt Prokop arrested on multiple charges

Former child actor Matt Prokop has been arrested and taken into custody in Texas on multiple charges, including a felony count related to illegal images involving minors, authorities have confirmed.

The 35-year-old, best known for his role in High School Musical 3, was arrested on December 24 and is currently being held at the Victoria County Jail, according to an employee at the facility.

Prokop faces four misdemeanour charges, including violation of a bond or protective order, evading arrest or detention, and two counts of resisting arrest, search or transportation.

He has also been charged with aggravated assault of a family member with a weapon, along with a second-degree felony charge related to possession of illegal images involving minors.

It remains unclear when he will next appear in court.

Arrest follows past abuse allegations

Prokop’s arrest comes years after allegations of abuse made by his former girlfriend, actor Sarah Hyland.

In court filings, Hyland alleged that Prokop verbally and physically abused her during their five-year relationship. She claimed that in May 2014, he slammed her into a vehicle and choked her during an argument.

According to her restraining order filing, she later alleged that Prokop threatened to kill her dog and burn down her house following their breakup.

Hyland was granted a restraining order against him in September 2014.

Hyland on the lasting impact

In the years since, Hyland has rarely spoken publicly about the relationship. However, in a 2024 interview with Variety, she reflected on the long-term emotional toll of abuse.

“I don’t know if that part of any woman will ever be fully healed from that,” she said. “It’s something that kind of scars her soul a little bit. It’s more so putting love towards that scar instead of hating it and ignoring it.”

Prokop remains in custody as the investigation continues.