Paul Preece Jr., who rose to fame as a winner on the first season of the Netflix survival series Outlast, was arrested on Friday, March 6, 2026. Authorities in Knox County, Tennessee, took the reality star into custody following a series of serious felony allegations. According to reports from WBIR and TMZ, Preece is facing charges of rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and attempted rape of a child.

Preece was a standout contestant on the 2023 Netflix hit, where he competed as part of "Charlie Team" to win a share of a $1 million grand prize. Records from the Knox County Sheriff's Office show that the 51-year-old is currently being held at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility. His bond has been set at $150,000 as he awaits his next legal steps.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Preece is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday, March 10. While he was previously celebrated for his survival skills in the Alaskan wilderness, he now faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted on the most serious charges. Netflix has not yet provided an official comment regarding the arrest of the former series champion.