An aspiring country singer who boasted about his star-studded trip to the 2024 CMA Awards could soon find himself behind bars after prosecutors noted that his visit to Nashville violated the terms of his bond.
An Alabama judge issued an arrest warrant for Austin Tanner on Tuesday, Nov. 26, just days after Tanner traveled from his home in Alabama to Nashville with his wife, Skyla, to attend the CMAs — without first seeking the court’s permission, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE.
Trouble for Tanner, who was charged with fraud and theft earlier this year, began on Nov. 21, when he shared photos on social media of himself and his wife posing on the red carpet across from the Bridgestone Arena the night before. PEOPLE has learned that Tanner was not invited to the awards ceremony itself.
“✨ First CMA Awards ✨ Last night was nothing short of magical as we walked the red carpet at the CMA Awards. This moment marked a dream come true!” he captioned his post.
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On Nov. 25, the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion asking a judge to revoke Tanner’s bail, as he is not allowed to leave the state of Alabama without court approval, according to a motion obtained by PEOPLE.
The next day, that request was approved and a warrant was issued for him.
Tanner, 38, was indicted by a grand jury in April on two counts of first-degree insurance fraud, theft of property and attempted theft, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE. He was released on $20,000 bail and was scheduled to appear at a deposition hearing on the morning of Nov. 21, though the hearing was “abruptly postponed” the morning of the CMA Awards, according to Lagniappe Diary.
Assistant District Attorney Clay Rossi included screenshots of Tanner’s CMA social media posts in his motion and argued that the singer was well aware of the terms of his relationship, having previously requested — and received permission — to travel to Florida on business in June.
The CMAs are hosted by Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson and Petyon Manning.
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“Given that the defendant was well versed in the travel conditions of his bond and given his public disregard for those restrictions, the state seeks to revoke his bond,” Rossi wrote.
Tanner’s attorney, Frederick Helmsing, who did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment, said the hearing scheduled for Nov. 21 has been postponed “due to the complexity of the case, legal issues and ongoing investigations,” and said he was not familiar with Tanner was leaving the country.
The rising star released a single called “All We Need” in March, and his website describes him as “on the cusp of country music stardom.”
Rossi’s request will be considered at a hearing scheduled for December 4.
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Source: HIS Education