Professional Bowler's Career Strikes a Disturbing Note with Arrest

In an unexpected turn of events that has rocked the world of professional bowling, Brandon Novak, a seasoned competitor on the lanes, faced a mid-game arrest during the prestigious 2024 US Open. The charges against him are grave and serious, involving child sexual abuse material, casting a shadow over his more than a decade-long career in the sport.

Novak, 35, hailing from Chillicothe, Ohio, was apprehended by US marshals while in the midst of competition, a moment that has since been the subject of much discussion and disbelief within the bowling community. The arrest, which occurred on February 1st, was based on a warrant stemming from a secret indictment. This dramatic scene unfolded as Novak was in the seventh frame of his second game, a moment captured off-frame in a video that has circulated online, showing fellow bowlers turning their heads towards the commotion.

Despite the arrest, Novak’s previous performance in the tournament was strong enough to secure him a 36th place finish, along with $1,500 in prize money. The US Open is not just any tournament; it is one of the five major tournaments on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) circuit, making the circumstances of Novak’s arrest all the more shocking.

The charges that Novak faces are severe. He has been indicted on 15 felony charges, including five counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and ten counts of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material. These allegations came to light following an investigation by the Chillicothe police, which began in February 2023 after a complaint was filed regarding Novak’s Facebook account being associated with child sexual abuse material.

A subsequent search warrant executed at Novak’s residence led to an interview where he initially denied knowledge of the content he purchased on Snapchat. However, he later admitted to knowing he was buying child sexual abuse material and attempting to conceal it. This admission has undoubtedly tarnished the reputation of a bowler who has been a familiar face in professional tournaments for over ten years and has two tournament wins to his name.

bowling, bowling balls, game — Photo by haim_charbit on Pixabay

As the legal proceedings continue, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for March 21, Novak’s future in professional bowling remains uncertain. The Professional Bowlers Association has yet to comment on the situation, and Novak has not retained an attorney, according to the latest court records.