A touring musician for rising country singer Chase Matthew was arrested just hours after performing at a Kentucky music festival and is now facing disturbing child sex crime charges, according to reports.
Carsen Richards, 22, was taken into custody Saturday night in Owensboro, Kentucky, shortly after Matthew and his band performed at the popular BBQ & Barrels festival.
According to local reports citing court records, Richards has been charged with two counts of second-degree sodomy and two counts of incest involving a minor under the age of 18.
Authorities say the charges stem from alleged incidents that reportedly took place in December 2020 and December 2022.
Court records indicate the case was filed in Clark County, Kentucky.
Richards is currently being held at the Daviess County Detention Center on a $75,000 cash bond.
As news of the arrest spread online, Chase Matthew quickly released a statement distancing himself from the bassist and expressing horror over the allegations.
“I’m sick to my stomach,” the country singer wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.
Matthew said he had no prior knowledge of the accusations and confirmed Richards was immediately removed from the band following his arrest.
“As a result of his arrest this past weekend, this individual was immediately removed from the band and is no longer associated with me or my team in any capacity,” Matthew wrote.
The singer also said he was “truly disturbed and disgusted” by the allegations.
“My heart breaks for anyone affected,” he added.
It remains unclear whether Richards has entered a plea or hired an attorney to speak on his behalf.
The shocking arrest has stunned fans, especially given that Richards had just appeared onstage performing in front of festival crowds hours before authorities moved in.
Lock him up and chop off his biden!