Chase Matthew's Bassist Charged with Child Sex Crimes Following Music Festival
Police said the 22-year-old was arrested without incident after investigators verified his identity and moved to avoid a violent armed encounter.
- On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Owensboro Police Department officers arrested musician Carsen Richards at the BBQ and Barrels festival in Owensboro, Kentucky, shortly after he exited the stage.
- The Owensboro Police Department acted on information from the Winchester Kentucky Police Department that Richards was wanted on felony charges related to alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
- Court documents allege Richards abused an autistic victim in 2020 and 2022, when the victim was 12 and 14 years old. Investigators visually confirmed his identity during the performance before detaining him.
- Richards was held at the Daviess County Detention Center on a $75,000 cash bond as of Monday. Country musician Chase Matthew removed him from his band, writing the situation was "one of the most shocking and heartbreaking things."
- Police developed an operations plan after learning Richards had access to multiple firearms and was frequently armed. Authorities confirmed he was not armed when taken into custody without incident.
31 Articles
31 Articles
Country singer's bassist arrested on child sex charges moments after performing at music festival
Country star Chase Matthew's band member has been charged with multiple child sex crimes, Fox News Digital has confirmed.Carsen Richards, the 22-year bassist for Matthew, was arrested after he had performed at the BBQ & Barrels event in Owensboro, Kentucky on Saturday. According to the Daviess County jail records obtained by Fox News Digital, Richards has been charged with sodomy and incest involving a person under 18 by a person three or more y…
Why Was Chase Matthew's Band Member Arrested? Inside the Disturbing Case Involving an Autistic Child and Concert Standoff
A touring band member for country artist Chase Matthew has been arrested following a police operation that unfolded moments after a live performance at the BBQ & Barrels festival in Owensboro, Kentucky. Carsen Richards, 22, faces multiple felony charges involving the alleged sexual abuse of a child with autism, with court records detailing incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022. His arrest was carried out immediately after he exit…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 76% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
