Former Denver music promoter and businessman Jay Bianchi has been sentenced to over 11 years in prison following his conviction on multiple counts of sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact. The sentencing, announced by the Denver District Attorney on Friday, comes after a November trial that revealed a troubling history of allegations against Bianchi, particularly at his Grateful Dead-themed venues, Sancho’s Broken Arrow and So Many Roads Brewery.
The trial featured testimony from dozens of witnesses and included hundreds of pieces of evidence, detailing incidents that spanned from 2020 to 2024. Bianchi faced a total of 11 charges, of which he was found guilty on five counts: three counts of sexual assault and two counts of unlawful sexual contact. The evidence presented painted a disturbing picture of Bianchi as a “serial sexual predator” who targeted women who were unable to defend themselves.
In a statement, John Walsh, the Denver District Attorney, emphasized the severity of Bianchi’s actions, saying, “As a result of today’s sentence, Bianchi is paying the price for his terrible actions and we hope that his victims can draw comfort from that fact.” Walsh also commended the efforts of the prosecution team and the support staff, who played crucial roles in bringing the case to trial.
Bianchi’s legal defense attempted to undermine the credibility of the victims during the proceedings, portraying them as unreliable or vindictive. Despite these efforts, the prosecution’s strong case, which included expert testimonies and contributions from detectives specializing in cold cases and sex crimes, ultimately led the jury to reach a guilty verdict after an eight-day deliberation.
The prosecution was led by Chief Deputy District Attorneys Bree Beasley and Chris Curtis, who worked diligently to present a compelling case against Bianchi. Their efforts, alongside the testimonies of numerous witnesses, were pivotal in ensuring that justice was served for the victims.
This case not only highlights the serious issue of sexual violence but also reflects the ongoing commitment of law enforcement and legal professionals to hold offenders accountable. As Bianchi begins his prison sentence, the hope remains that his victims can find some measure of solace in the legal outcomes of their courageous testimonies.
