Former Denver music promoter and businessman Jay Bianchi has been sentenced to more than 11 years in prison after being convicted on multiple counts of sexual assault and unlawful sexual contact. The sentencing, announced by the Denver District Attorney on Friday, follows a trial that took place in November 2025, during which a jury found Bianchi guilty on five of the eleven counts he faced.
The trial, which lasted several days, featured testimony from dozens of witnesses and included hundreds of pieces of evidence. The charges stem from allegations of sexual assault and drugging that occurred between 2020 and 2024 at Bianchi’s establishments, including his Grateful Dead-themed bars, Sancho’s Broken Arrow and So Many Roads Brewery. These venues had also been subjects of police investigations related to cocaine dealing, underage alcohol sales, and violations of COVID-19 business regulations.
During the trial, John Walsh, the Denver District Attorney, described Bianchi as a “serial sexual predator.” He stated, “Over several years, he sexually assaulted women who were physically incapable of defending themselves.” Walsh expressed hope that Bianchi’s sentence would provide some comfort to his victims, emphasizing the importance of accountability for such crimes.
Despite the defense’s efforts to discredit the victims, presenting them as unreliable or vindictive, the prosecution successfully countered these claims. The team, led by Chief Deputy District Attorneys Bree Beasley and Chris Curtis, included expert witnesses and testimonies from detectives specializing in cold cases and sex crimes. Their efforts ultimately led to a guilty verdict after an extensive eight-day deliberation by the jury.
Walsh commended the dedicated work of the prosecutors and investigators involved in the case, as well as the victim advocates and administrative staff who supported the prosecution. Bianchi’s conviction marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn attention to the broader issues of sexual assault and accountability in the entertainment and nightlife sectors.
As Bianchi begins his sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against sexual violence and the importance of supporting victims in their pursuit of justice.
