YIKES! Another American Idol alum, another mugshot! This time it’s 2018 Top 24 contestant Ron Bultongez who is facing multiple counts of sex with a minor in his home state of Texas. He competed in ABC’s first season, alongside winner Maddie Poppe.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ that the singer was arrested in Grapevine, TX when he turned himself in on July 15.
According to the Tarrant County D.A.’s charging documents, Bultongez is charged with 4 counts of sexual penetration of a minor under the age of 17 on 4 occasions.
In the documents, obtained by TMZ, prosecutors say the alleged incidents occurred between December 2020 and February 2021.
Bultongez was released from custody a couple days after his arrest, once he posted a $50,000 bond. TMZ reports that the singer has not made his initial court appearance yet to face the charges. TMZ is still working on obtaining more details.
Ron Bultongez is the third American Idol alum arrested this year.
In May, shortly after being eliminated from the show, authorities arrested country singer Cecil Ray after his girlfriend accused him of abuse. The singer was charged with was charged with Burglary of a Habitation and spent some time in jail before posting bail. And then in May, the viral garbage man Doug Kiker was arrested for domestic violence in Mobile Alabama. He also sat in jail for awhile on a $1,000 bond.
The singer had a dramatic American Idol journey before the judges eliminated him at the Top 24
In Ron’s American Idol audition in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, the immigrant from the Congo explained that his father wasn’t here for him. But that he hoped to be a better father to his baby son. In his audition he sang “Let it Go” by James Bey accompanying himself on guitar. Luke gives him a yes. But Katy and Lionel say no and then send him away.
But then Lionel DRAMATICALLY changes his mind, and runs to fetch Ron. The confused singer is back in the audition room and learns that NEVERMIND–the judges decide to send him to the Hollywood round. The mother of his child is with him, so apparently they were still together at that time.
The show featured Ron prominently during Hollywood Week. Here he is performing “Home” the winners single from American Idol season 11 champ Phillip Phillips.
During the Top 24 rounds, Ron sang “Someone to You” with Banners. He also sang Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” for his Top 24 sole. However, after his performances, the judges eliminated him.
