Former American Idol season 8 auditioner Randy Madden has been arrested in Ventura County and is facing multiple felony charges connected to an alleged sexual encounter with a minor. The 45-year-old pleaded not guilty and has been released on bail as the case proceeds.
According to online records from the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura, reviewed by Life & Style, the alleged incident or incidents occurred between July and September 2025. Court records indicate Madden is charged with unlawful sexual intercourse; anal and genital penetration by a foreign object; oral copulation of a person under 18; sending harmful matter; luring; and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime. A criminal protective order for the alleged victim has been filed.
Madden was taken into custody by the Ventura County Sheriff on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Online jail records show he posted $100,000 bail and was released on Tuesday, November 4. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, November 13.
What Court Records Say About the Case
The charging documents outline several felony counts stemming from at least one alleged encounter with a minor. As listed in the records, those counts include unlawful sexual intercourse; anal and genital penetration by a foreign object; oral copulation of a person under 18; sending harmful matter; luring; and dissuading a witness from reporting a crime.
The court’s online docket indicates Madden was formally charged on Monday, November 3, and subsequently entered a plea of not guilty during a remote appearance. A criminal protective order has also been granted on behalf of the alleged victim. No additional case details, including the identity of the alleged victim, have been released publicly. Screen Rant does not identify alleged victims of sexual misconduct.
As with any ongoing criminal matter, the charges are allegations at this stage. Madden has denied all counts. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Madden’s Plea, Bail, and Next Court Date
Per the Ventura County Sheriff’s online records, Madden was booked on October 30 and released on bond on November 4 after posting $100,000 bail. The records list his next court appearance for Thursday, November 13, where additional proceedings are expected. The case remains active in Ventura County Superior Court.
Court documents also note a criminal protective order protecting the alleged victim, a standard measure in cases of this nature. Madden previously appeared via Zoom and pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to the online docket. No plea agreement or further pretrial motions have been publicly detailed.
At the time of publication, no statements from Madden’s legal counsel have been included in the online records. Law enforcement filings available through the court do not provide a public narrative of the alleged incidents beyond the statutory charges and date range.
American Idol Background and Personal Updates
Madden first came to public attention in 2009 when he auditioned for season 8 of American Idol with a rendition of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” He did not receive a “yes” from the judging panel and was eliminated prior to the Hollywood rounds. While his time on the show was brief, the audition marked his introduction to a national TV audience.
Separate online records from Ventura County indicate Madden’s occupation was listed as “disabled.” On his social media, Madden links to a GoFundMe fundraiser, where he describes ongoing health challenges following what he calls a “horrific motorcycle accident” in September 2023. In the campaign description and subsequent updates, he writes that he has relied on mobility aids and has undergone multiple procedures as part of his recovery.
In a June 2025 update on the fundraiser, Madden stated that he had undergone seven surgeries and anticipated needing two more to address lingering issues with his leg. “My recovery has been challenging, and I can’t currently work as a hairdresser due to my condition,” he wrote on the GoFundMe page, adding that a recent procedure involved “moving muscle to cover an infection,” with potential complications being monitored by his medical team.
“Any amount helps,” Madden continued in the post. “In summary I believe I need two more surgeries to repair my leg. I’ll never be 100%, but I’m improving. I’m still waiting for any help from the state through disability.”
The fundraiser also notes the rising cost of transportation and other living expenses as ongoing concerns. The social media link remains active at the time of this writing, though Screen Rant is not linking to the campaign.
This story will continue to develop as court proceedings move forward in Ventura County. For now, Madden faces multiple felony counts and has entered a plea of not guilty. Further updates, including any official statements from representatives or new filings, are expected to emerge as the case progresses through the court system.
