"Jeopardy!" star Philip Joseph "Joey" DeSena has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving children.
DeSena, 44, is facing 10 counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor in North Carolina, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY. He is accused of possessing and duplicating material showing young girls, with approximated ages between 7 and 15, engaged in sexual activity.
The alleged offenses occurred on Nov. 18, and a warrant was issued for DeSena's arrest on Oct. 22. He was taken into custody Friday, Oct. 23, and booked into Wake County Jail, where he remains without bond, per court records.
USA TODAY reached out to DeSena's lawyer for comment.
The game-show contestant made his "Jeopardy!" debut on Nov. 11, 2024, walking
away with a big win. He returned for the Nov. 12, 2024, episode and won again, with the two nights' earnings totaling to $44,698.
On Nov. 13, 2024, DeSena competed for a third time but lost. He later returned for the Champions Wildcard tournament in January 2025 and made it to the semifinals.
DeSena is currently on probation for a separate case, in which he pleaded guilty to two counts of felony secret peeping in July.
The complaint, obtained by USA TODAY, stated game show contestant "unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did secretly or surreptitiously" placed devices "that can be used to create photographic image" in a woman's bathroom and bedroom "with the intent to capture the image of another without their consent."
He was given 60 months probation under the conditions that he complete 100 hours of community service, obtain a mental health assessment or evaluation the court recommended be completed by a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in psychosexual treatment, continue treatment for 12 months and have no contact with the victim.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Jeopardy!' winner charged with 10 counts of child sexual exploitation
