Two-Time 'Jeopardy!' Champion Arrested on Child Porn Charges While on Probation

Joey DeSena, a two-time "Jeopardy!" champion, was arrested Friday in Wake County, North Carolina, on allegations of possessing child pornography. Officials charged DeSena, 44, with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to an arrest warrant.

DeSena was denied bond by a judge who noted that the alleged offenses occurred while DeSena was on probation for a previous conviction. In December 2025, DeSena was arrested on accusations of recording a woman in a private residence. He pleaded guilty to two counts of felony secret peeping on July 27, 2026, and was sentenced to 60 months of probation, along with 100 hours of community service and a requirement to complete a mental health assessment.

DeSena previously won two episodes of "Jeopardy!" in November 2024, earning more than $44,000. He later competed in the show's Champions Wildcard tournament in January 2025, where he was eliminated in the semifinals.

His next court hearing is scheduled for November 16.