Former American Idol contestant Randy Madden has been arrested in the Ventura, California, area in connection with several allegations involving sexual conduct with a person under 18.
Madden, 45, faces six felony charges filed Monday, according to documents from the Superior Court of California for Ventura County reviewed by the Daily Mail.
The charges include unlawful sexual intercourse, anal and genital penetration with a foreign object, and oral copulation involving a person under 18, court records state.
He is also accused of sending harmful material, luring, and attempting to discourage a witness from reporting a crime, according to the documents.
The alleged offenses reportedly took place between July and September of this year, court records indicate.
The Daily Mail has contacted Madden through Instagram seeking comment.
Former American Idol contestant Randy Madden, 45, has been arrested over multiple allegations involving sexual conduct with a person under 18
Prosecutors allege that Madden tried to dissuade a witness from reporting a crime during the first half of September.
After being charged Monday and taken into custody, Madden pleaded not guilty to all counts.
He was released the following day after posting $100,000 bond.
Madden appeared on the eighth season of the singing competition in 2009, performing Bon Jovi’s 1986 hit Livin’ on a Prayer during his audition.
At the time, he introduced himself as a sales representative for a media company.
‘I’m kind of like a rock star living in a box,’ Madden said. ‘Blue-collar guy just working in a cubicle, trying to make millions here with my voice.’
He said his singing came from the heart and explained that he had received ‘no singing lessons whatsoever’ before appearing on the show.
‘I’m not in a band,’ Madden said. ‘Although I kind of look like a rocker, people stop me a lot to say, “Hey, you should be on American Idol.” I finally said, “You know what? I’m gonna try.”‘
The vocalist competed on the eighth season of the singing series in 2009
All four judges at the time—Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi—rejected Madden after his audition
During the audition segment, Madden said he was seeking recognition for his musical ambitions.
‘I just want someone to tell me that I’m great—that’s all,’ he said.
He also reflected on how appearing on national television might shape his career.
‘This is going to change my life, tremendously,’ Madden said. ‘Where I’m standing, this is the moment where I can shine or I can just go out like a comet—will you see me? Bright shining star and crash to the ground.’
Madden continued, ‘So I’m gonna take this and run with it—and run really far.’
However, all four judges—Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi—ultimately passed on him following the audition.
