Who is Austin Tanner? Arrest warrant issued after country singer violates bond to attend the CMA Awards ceremony

Authorities issued an arrest warrant for country singer Austin Tanner on November 26, 2024, after he violated his bond conditions by attending the 2024 Country Music Association Awards (CMA) in Nashville. Tanner, 38, had been indicted earlier this year on charges of insurance fraud, theft of property, and attempted theft.

His bond required him to remain within Alabama unless granted court approval, which he failed to obtain for his trip to the awards ceremony. The violation came to light when Tanner posted photos on social media of himself and his wife, Skyla, posing on the red carpet near the Bridgestone Arena. Despite his celebratory captions, it was revealed that Tanner was reportedly not officially invited to the event.

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Austin Tanner's social media posts lead to a bond violation and an arrest warrant

On November 21, Austin Tanner shared photos from the CMA Awards red carpet and wrote:

"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! Having my beautiful wife, Skyla, by my side made it even more special."

His public posts caught the attention of authorities, who noted that Tanner's trip directly violated the terms of his bond. The Mobile County District Attorney’s Office filed a motion on November 25 to revoke Austin Tanner's bond, highlighting that he had previously sought—and been granted—permission to travel to Florida for work in June.

Assistant District Attorney Clay Rossi emphasized that Austin Tanner was fully aware of the bond conditions but chose to disregard them. In his motion, Rossi stated:

"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."

The motion was granted the next day by Judge Michael Windom, who issued a warrant for Tanner's arrest.

Austin Tanner's legal troubles stem from his indictment in April, which included two counts of first-degree insurance fraud, theft of property, and attempted theft. Prosecutors allege that Tanner, who runs an insurance claims consulting agency, overcharged during disputed property loss claims, causing financial harm to both clients and law firms. He was released on a $20,000 bond after his arrest.

In addition to his legal issues, Austin Tanner has been pursuing a career in country music. He released his debut single, All We Need, in March and describes himself on his website as being "on the cusp of country music fame." \

Tanner's attorney, Frederick Helmsing, claimed that he was unaware of Tanner's plans to attend the CMA Awards and attributed the rescheduling of a deposition hearing on November 21 to "the complexity of the case, issues over matters of law, and ongoing investigations." The hearing on Tanner's bond violation is scheduled for December 4. Until then, he faces potential incarceration without bond.

Tanner is scheduled for a hearing on December 4, 2024, which will determine the outcome of his bond violation case. His upcoming plans may be affected by the resolution of his legal situation.