Joel Schoepf, most recently the assistant road manager for star Parker McCollum, was arrested in New Braunfels, Texas, for allegedly participating in the "online solicitation of a minor under 14." He was sent to the Comal County Jail on Nov. 13, per Saving Country Music.
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The Comal County Sheriff's Office records show Schoepf was released on a $50,000 surety bond on Nov. 14. Because of the nature of the charges, little information is available.
Additionally, McCollum immediately fired Schoepf.
Schoepf Is Well-Known in the Texas Country Music Scene
In addition to working with McCollum, Schoepf was a stage and production manager for Dickson Productions, the company behind Colorado's MusicFest. According to his resume, he was also the stage manager and guitar technician for Cross Canadian Ragweed between 2006 and 2010 and Cody Canada and The Departed from 2011 to 2013.
Schoepf also served as production manager at the legendary Floore's Country Store in Helotes, Texas, from 2013 to 2020. Additionally, he was the manager of Reckless Kelly between 2020 and 2022. He has also worked on Willie Nelson's Luck Reunion at South by Southwest since 2012.
How Was Schoepf Caught?
Alex Rosen, the controversial founder of Predator Poachers, caught Schoepf in a sting operation. The Houston-based organization is known to conduct "To Catch A Predator"-type operations and post them under the handle @iFightForKids.
In a video, Rosen says he caught Schoepf contacting a 13-year-old boy on Reddit. Schoepf also admitted to trading pornographic material of minors and children.
It's important to note that Schoepf is innocent until proven guilty.
It's a Bad Ending to a Good Year for Parker McCollum
Despite this setback, the 33-year-old McCollum had a banner year. He summed up his 2025 at the end of his tour back in October.
"Released my 5th studio album," he wrote. "Played arenas across the country. Had some nights I wasn't my best. Had a bunch of nights that I'm not sure my feet ever touched the floor. (Floaters as I call them. When everything is just clicking from start to finish). If you're still reading this, thank you."
He added, "Thank you for showing up and singing these songs back to us. Thank you for buying merch, waiting in line, making signs, bringing me Zyns, writing me letters, waving back to me from the crowd. Every single night I got to do what I love to do with the people I love to do it with. This year was nothing short of magical and none of it is possible without all of you. I'm headed to the ranch to enjoy this deer season to the fullest extent. I'll see you all in 2026! Mad love!"
