Former Free Willy Star Jason James Richter Arrested For Domestic Violence

Former child star Jason James Richter, who's best known for playing Jesse in the Free Willy trilogy, was taken into police custody earlier this week.

TMZ reports that the now-38-year-old actor was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence in San Fernando Valley, Calif. late Monday evening, Oct. 15, 2018, following an alleged incident at home with his girlfriend.

According to law enforcement sources cited by the gossip rag, an argument between the two reportedly turned heated early Monday night after the former '90s star asked his girlfriend if she was cheating on him with a co-worker. Richter later allegedly broke down their bedroom door and "grabbed her" by the wrist. Entertainment Tonight reports that she later filed a police report with the Los Angeles Police Department, accusing him of domestic violence.

Following the alleged incident, Richter was charged with one count of vandalism, as well as one count of battery on a significant other with no physical injury. He was later released on Wednesday, Oct. 17, but could reportedly face up to one year in prison, if convicted.

At the time of this writing, Richter has yet to publicly comment on his recent legal trouble. However, his rep has since released a statement on the matter to Page Six. "Jason and his girlfriend were involved in an argument that unfortunately escalated to the point where police were called," the statement read. "However, Jason vehemently denies any physical altercation. He is devastated that anyone has been led to believe otherwise."

Richter's rep continued, "Jason was released of his own recognizance, the police found no visible marks or bruises and there is every reason to believe that these false charges will be dropped."

Unfortunately, Richter isn't the only celeb to have a run-in with the law this month. As Nicki Swift previously reported, former American Idol contestant Antonella Barba was busted in Norfolk, Va. last Thursday, Oct. 11, on a felony charge for allegedly attempting to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. If convicted, the 31-year-old, who appeared on the popular singing competition's sixth season in 2007, could face between five to 40 years behind bars.