Pro bowler Brandon Novak 'faces 15 child pornography charges' after being arrested MID-TOURNAMENT and then extradited to Ohio

Professional bowler Brandon Novak is reportedly facing 15 child pornography charges after he was arrested midway through the 2024 US Open.

The 35-year-old was extradited from Indianapolis to Ross County jail in Ohio, where records show he is being held on felony counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and illegal use of a minor in nudity oriented material.

Novak, who was arrested by US Marshals while competing in the tournament earlier this month, is slated for a pre-trial hearing on March 21, according to CNN.

A video clip, posted online, claims to show the moment cops detained him midway through a match. According to the official tournament standings, Novak finished 36th and earned $1,500 in winnings.

The Ohio native was moved Thursday from the Marion County jail in Indianapolis to Ohio's Ross County jail.

Professional bowler Brandon Novak is reportedly facing 15 child pornography charges

The 35-year-old was extradited from Indianapolis to Ross County jail in Ohio earlier this week

Novak was first taken into custody February 1 at the but at the time authorities would only say he was wanted on a warrant that stemmed from a secret indictment.

Novak had been under investigation by Chillicothe police since February 2023, according to a report obtained by The Columbus Dispatch through an Ohio Public Records Act request. 

It stated a Chillicothe police detective had received a complaint from Facebook regarding Novak's account being associated with child sexual abuse material.

Authorities soon executed a search warrant at Novak's residence and interviewed him, according to the report. 

During the interview, Novak said he purchased pornography from someone on the social media app Snapchat, but initially said he didn't know the videos would contain child sexual abuse material. 

He later admitted knowing he was buying child sexual abuse material and was taking steps to conceal it, authorities said.

Novak has been a professional bowler for more than a decade and has won two tournaments, according to his profile on the Professional Bowlers Association website.