Phil Vaught was arrested over the weekend following a lengthy investigation by Hendersonville police, where he now faces multiple charges related to child sex abuse.

The Criminal Court of Sumner County unveiled Tuesday a 160-count indictment against the Middle Tennessee musician, accusing him of sexual abuse of a child, rape and sexual exploitation.



Breakdown of chargesThe charges against Philip Wayne Vaught include:
5 counts alleging sexual abuse of a child, including aggravated rape, rape and soliciting sexual exploitation
76 counts alleging he unlawfully and knowingly used a minor in the production of material that includes the minor engaging in sexual activity
15 counts alleging unlawful sexual penetration of a person at least the age of 13 but under the age of 18, who was at least four years younger than Vaught and while Vaught was in a position of trust
3 counts alleging that in February 2017, Vaught knowingly possessed more than 100 pieces of material that included a minor engaging in sexual activity
10 counts alleging he knowingly engaged in the penetration of a child
51 counts alleging Vaught unlawfully and knowingly possessed material that includes a minor engaged in sexual activity

The incidents date back to 2015 and allegedly occurred as recently as January 2026

Vaught was arrested over the weekend in Mississippi after what police called a lengthy investigation.

Kim Germann, Clinical Director with the Sexual Assault Center in Nashville said the timeline is not uncommon for minor victims.

“They don’t know that anybody will believe them, and the shame, embarrassment, fear of shame and blame will keep them from talking,” Germann said.

Vaught comes from Kentucky. He’s the son of a minister who moved to Tennessee when his music career started to take off. He now faces a $1.5 million bond.