In a swift and decisive move, acclaimed country music artist Parker McCollum has severed ties with his long-term stage manager following serious criminal allegations. Joel Schoepf, a veteran of the Texas music scene, was arrested and charged with the online solicitation of a minor, prompting his immediate dismissal.
The Arrest and Charges
Joel Schoepf was taken into custody in New Braunfels, Texas on November 13, according to arrest records viewed by the Daily Mail. He faces a second-degree felony charge for the alleged online solicitation of a minor under the age of 14. Court documents indicate he was released the following day, November 14, after posting a $50,000 bond. It is crucial to note that Schoepf has not been convicted of any crime at this time.
The arrest was the result of a sting operation conducted by Alex Rosen, founder of the Houston-based group Predator Poachers. Rosen, who targets adults seeking sexual encounters with minors, published a video online showing Schoepf being handcuffed. In the footage, Rosen alleges Schoepf was caught via Reddit and was lured to a McDonald's under the impression he was meeting a 13-year-old boy.
McCollum's Immediate Response and Industry Fallout
Upon learning of the arrest, Parker McCollum terminated Joel Schoepf's employment immediately, ending a professional relationship that had lasted four years, as reported by Whiskey Riff. The 33-year-old singer-songwriter, who hails from Conroe, Texas, has not issued a public statement regarding the situation.
Schoepf has since engaged legal representation. His counsel submitted a formal letter of representation and a request for discovery to the court on November 25, marking the start of the legal process. Representatives for both McCollum and Schoepf have been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail.
Schoepf's Career in Country Music
Prior to his role with McCollum, Joel Schoepf had built a substantial career behind the scenes in the country music industry. His tenure includes significant positions such as stage and production manager for Dickson Productions, the company responsible for Colorado's MusicFest. He served as stage manager and guitar technician for the band Cross Canadian Ragweed from 2006 to 2010, and later worked with Cody Canada and The Departed from 2011 to 2013.
Meanwhile, Parker McCollum, who released his debut single 'Highway' in 2013, has been focusing on his growing family. He and his wife Hallie Ray Light, whom he met in 2020, welcomed their first child, a son named Major Yancey Tyler McCollum, last year.
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the close-knit country music community, highlighting the severe and immediate professional consequences of such serious charges. The case continues to develop as the legal proceedings unfold.
