Chase Matthews Bassist Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges

Owensboro, Kentucky - Carsen Richards, a 22-year-old bassist for country singer Chase Matthew, was arrested Saturday night immediately after performing at the BBQ Barrels music festival here, facing felony charges of sexually abusing an autistic boy on two occasions in 2020 and 2022.

Richards faces two counts each of second-degree sodomy and intrafamily abuse involving a person under 18 by someone at least three years older, according to court records from Clark County District Court. The alleged victim, diagnosed with Level 1 autism by Vanderbilt University Hospital, was 12 at the time of the first incident in December 2020 and 14 during the second in December 2022. If convicted, Richards could face up to 10 years in prison.

The Owensboro Police Department executed the arrest around 9:40 p.m., detaining Richards as he left the stage and before he reached a nearby tour bus. Officers coordinated with Winchester Police in Clark County, which had issued an out-of-county warrant. Authorities delayed action until after the performance to minimize risks in the crowded venue, citing prior intelligence that Richards might be armed. He was not armed at the time and was booked into the...