NASHVILLE (TN)
Premier Christian News [Crowborough, England]
April 22, 2026
By Mitti Hicks
A Tennessee musician has been charged with 160 counts related to alleged child sex abuse, including rape, according to court documents.
Phillip Vaught was arrested over the weekend following an extensive and lengthy investigation by Hendersonville police.
A Sumner County indictment lists 160 counts against Vaught, which include sexual abuse of a child, rape and exploitation.
The charges, according to local news outlet WECT, include five counts alleging sexual abuse of a child, including aggravated rape and soliciting sexual exploitation. A further 76 counts allege that Vaught unlawfully and knowingly used a minor in the production of material that includes the minor engaging in sexual activity. Several other counts relate to allegations of possession of child pornography, amongst other charges.
Court records indicate the alleged crimes date back to 2015 and continued as recently as January 2026.
Vaught, a Nashville-based country rock singer, has been described as a crossover artist with Christian and gospel roots. His father is a Baptist minister.
He is currently being held on a $1.5 million bond.