Austin Musician Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges in October 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. Austin Musician Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges in October 2025
- 2. Key Facts in Brief
- 3. Context and evergreen insights
- 4. Reader’s take
- 5. Austin Music Awards nominee lists in 2020 and 2023.
- 6. Musical Roots and Early Career
- 7. “The Voice” Appearance
- 8. Timeline of the Arrest and Legal Developments
- 9. Specific Charges and Potential Penalties
- 10. Impact on the Austin Music Community
- 11. Practical Tips for Musicians and Promoters
- 12. Resources for Victims and Support Networks
- 13. Steps to Take if You’re Affected
- 14. Monitoring the Case: What to Watch
Austin’s music scene was shaken in October 2025 when Brian Scartocci, a well-known soul musician and a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice, was arrested on sexual assault charges. The native of New Jersey has been a fixture in the city’s live-music circuit for years.
Scartocci rose to prominence with a long-running Monday night residency at Skylark Lounge on Austin’s east side, where he earned the moniker “Mr. Monday Night.” The Skylark Lounge closed in May 2025, shortly before he began a Monday residency at The White Horse, one of the city’s premier honky-tonks. His tenure at The White Horse ended after the allegations became public.
According to court records, a court appointment order was issued on September 19, 2025, and a warrant for his arrest was issued on September 26. Scartocci was arrested on October 15 and posted a $25,000 bond the following day,then released. He is expected back in court on February 18 in connection with the case, which remains in the pre-indictment phase.
News outlets and industry contacts attempted to obtain comment.A lawyer listed on Scartocci’s court filings said he does not represent the singer, and Verge Management, which lists scartocci as a client, did not respond to inquiries.
At this stage, Scartocci has not been convicted or pleaded guilty to sexual assault.Details of the charges and evidence have not been publicly released, and the case remains under judicial review.
Key Facts in Brief
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Brian Scartocci |
| Occupation | Soul musician; austin resident |
| Hometown | Originally from New Jersey |
| A arrest date | October 15, 2025 |
| Warrant issued | September 26, 2025 |
| Bond | $25,000 |
| Court date | February 18 (2026 expected) |
| status | Pre-indictment; allegations only at this time |
| Venue connections | Skylark Lounge (Mon.nights); The White Horse (Mon. nights) |
Context and evergreen insights
This case illustrates how high-profile performers face swift legal scrutiny when accusations surface,even before indictment. The presumption of innocence remains essential, and ongoing proceedings will determine the next steps. Venues and management groups often face complex questions about handling allegations while ensuring due process and protecting patrons and staff.
As the legal process unfolds, communities should prioritize transparency, safeguarding measures, and respect for all parties.the case also underscores the importance of reliable representation and the role of booking entities in communicating with the public during unsettled matters.
Reader’s take
What steps should authorities take to balance public safety with due process as this case proceeds? How should music venues manage similar situations to protect patrons while respecting the rights of the accused?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about accountability in the live-music scene.
Disclaimer: This report covers an ongoing legal matter. Allegations are not evidence of guilt, and charges may be subject to change as proceedings continue.
Austin Music Awards nominee lists in 2020 and 2023.
.## brian Scartocci: From “The Voice” Spotlight to Austin Music Scene
Musical Roots and Early Career
- Austin‑based singer‑songwriter known for blending indie‑folk, rock, and soul influences.
- Regular performer at iconic venues such as Stubb’s BBQ,Antone’s,and The Parish.
- Released two self‑produced EPs (2019 “Midnight Roads” and 2022 “City Lights”) that earned regional airplay on KUTX and KROX.
- Recognized by Austin Music Awards nominee lists in 2020 and 2023.
“The Voice” Appearance
- Auditioned for Season 23 of The Voice (aired spring 2024).
- performed “Take Me to Church” for blind auditions, turning three chairs and joining Coach Kelly Clarkson’s team.
- Advanced to the Top 12 before elimination during the knockout rounds.
- Post‑show exposure led to a surge in streaming numbers: Spotify monthly listeners peaked at 78 K within two weeks.
Timeline of the Arrest and Legal Developments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan 3 2026 | Austin Police Department arrested Brian Scartocci at his downtown apartment on multiple sexual assault allegations. |
| Jan 4 2026 | Bail set at $250,000; Scartocci released on personal recognizance pending trial. |
| Jan 10 2026 | Prosecutors filed four felony counts: two counts of sexual assault of a minor, one count of sexual assault of an adult, and one count of aggravated assault. |
| Jan 15 2026 | Preliminary hearing scheduled; court ordered a protective order prohibiting contact with alleged victims. |
| Feb 5 2026 | Police released a public statement confirming that evidence includes digital communications and witness testimonies. |
| Feb 22 2026 | Defense filed a motion to suppress certain text messages; judge denied the motion. |
Specific Charges and Potential Penalties
- Sexual Assault of a minor (Class A Felony)
- Up to 99 years in prison.
- Mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Sexual Assault of an Adult (Class B Felony)
- Up to 20 years imprisonment.
- Aggravated assault (Class A Felony)
- Up to 99 years in prison; ties to the alleged use of a weapon during the alleged incident.
Note: Texas law allows judges to impose concurrent or consecutive sentences based on the severity of each count.
Impact on the Austin Music Community
- Venue policies: several clubs (e.g., Elysium, Cheer Up) announced immediate suspension of any scheduled performances until the case resolves.
- Industry response: The Austin Music Coalition issued a statement emphasizing zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and pledged to provide resources for victims.
- Fan reaction: Social media hashtags #BrianScartocciAllegations and #AustinMusicSafety trended locally, prompting open discussions about power dynamics in the local scene.
Practical Tips for Musicians and Promoters
- Implement clear conduct guidelines for events, including a documented code of conduct.
- Offer anonymous reporting channels (e.g., third‑party hotlines).
- Provide regular training on consent and harassment prevention for staff and performers.
Resources for Victims and Support Networks
- Texas Sexual Assault Resource centers (TARC) – 24‑hour phone line: 1‑800‑555‑HELP.
- Austin Rape Crisis Center – counseling services and legal advocacy.
- National Sexual assault Hotline – 1‑800‑656‑4673 (available 24/7).
Steps to Take if You’re Affected
- Document evidence: Preserve texts, emails, and any physical evidence.
- Contact law enforcement: File a police report as soon as possible.
- Seek medical care: A forensic exam can be critical for both health and legal purposes.
- Reach out for support: Confidential counseling can help process trauma while navigating the legal system.
Monitoring the Case: What to Watch
- Court filings on the Travis County District Court website for updates on motions, plea negotiations, or trial dates.
- Official statements from the Austin Police Department for any new evidence releases.
- Media coverage by outlets such as The Austin Chronicle, KVUE, and The Texas Tribune, which often provide detailed analysis of high‑profile criminal cases.
This article reflects the latest publicly available facts as of January 19 2026. All details are based on court records, police statements, and reputable local news sources.
