BREAKING NEWS: A reimagined storyline shows Parker McCollum making a bold, last-minute crew change after an unexpected backstage incident.LC
Country star Parker McCollum has cut ties with his longtime crew member Joel Schoepf after Schoepf was arrested in New Braunfels, Texas, on a charge of online solicitation of a minor under 14.
The charge is a second-degree felony under Texas law. According to police records cited by MySA on Wednesday, December 3, Schoepf, 46, was taken into custody on November 13 during a sting operation and booked into the Comal County Jail. He was released the following day on a $50,000 surety bond.
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Schoepf had worked with McCollum, 33, in multiple touring capacities over the years. Recent reports from MySA and Taste of Country identified him as McCollum’s assistant road manager and guitar technician at the time of his arrest. Outlets covering his broader work history noted that he has also held production and stage-management roles elsewhere in the Texas country circuit, but those titles were not confirmed as part of his current role with McCollum.
After the arrest became public, McCollum’s team confirmed that Schoepf had been terminated immediately. MySA reported that representatives for the Grammy-nominated singer had “no further comment” beyond the confirmation that Schoepf was no longer employed by the artist. McCollum has not issued a personal statement about the case.
Whiskey Riff reported that Schoepf was taken into custody at a McDonald’s in New Braunfels after allegedly arranging to meet what he believed to be a minor. Authorities said the arrest followed communication uncovered during the sting operation.
Because of the severity of the charge, outlets covering the arrest have noted that online solicitation of a minor under 14 carries significant legal penalties if convicted. Proceedings remain ongoing, and as of December 3, 2025, there is no public record of a plea entered.
McCollum, who has spent much of 2025 touring, has not paused his schedule following the arrest. For now, the case continues through the Texas court system while McCollum distances his team from the situation and avoids any public comment beyond confirming the termination.
About the author
Whitney Danhauer is an entertainment reporter specializing in celebrity news, legacy entertainers, and pop culture trends. She covers everything from classic rock icons and nostalgic TV stars to viral celebrity moments and the most talked about cast reunions. As the cohost of “Scoops Ahoy: A Stranger ThingsPodcast,” Whitney has built a strong reputation as a go-to source for Stranger Things coverage.
