Outlast Season 1 Winner Paul Preece Jr. Arrested in Tennessee on Serious Felony Charges

Paul Preece Jr., known for winning the first season of the survival competition series Outlast, has been arrested in Tennessee and is facing several serious felony charges involving a minor.

According to jail records and reports from local authorities, the 51-year-old resident of Seymour, Tennessee, was taken into custody on Friday, March 6, 2026, by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.

Arrest and Charges

Authorities say Preece is currently being held at the Knox County Jail after investigators filed three major felony charges against him:

• Rape of a child

• Aggravated sexual battery

• Attempted rape of a child

A judge set his bond at $150,000.

Officials have not publicly released detailed information about the alleged incidents. Law enforcement has stated that the lack of details is intentional in order to protect the identity and privacy of the minor involved in the case.

The charges came after an investigation conducted by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. At this stage, the case remains active, and additional details could emerge as it moves through the court system.

Rise to Fame on Outlast

Preece became widely known in 2023 when he appeared on the first season of Outlast, a Netflix survival reality competition that places contestants in the harsh wilderness of Alaska.

On the show, Preece was a member of “Charlie Camp,” a team that successfully endured the survival challenge and ultimately won the $1 million grand prize.

He shared the winnings with his teammates:

• Seth Lueker

• Nick Radner

During the series, Preece was frequently portrayed as a rugged survivalist and devoted family man, which made him a memorable figure among viewers.

Public Reaction and Silence from Netflix

The arrest has shocked many fans of the series, particularly given the persona Preece displayed during the show. As of March 9, 2026, neither Netflix nor the production companies behind the show have issued an official public statement regarding his arrest.

Similarly, there has been no public comment from his former teammates since the news broke.

No Widely Known Prior Criminal Record

Based on available public records, there is no widely documented history of major criminal convictions or violent offenses involving Preece prior to this case.

Authorities have indicated that the current charges stem from a recent investigation conducted by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. In cases involving serious allegations against minors, investigators often review past conduct to determine whether there may be other incidents or victims. However, no additional charges or prior cases have been publicly reported at this time.

Future of Outlast

Despite the controversy surrounding the Season 1 winner, Netflix has already confirmed that Outlast will continue.

The streaming platform renewed the series for Season 3 on February 26, 2025. While an exact premiere date has not been announced, the next season is currently expected to release sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.

For now, Preece remains in custody as the legal process begins. Further details about the allegations and the investigation are expected to emerge as the case proceeds through the Tennessee court system.