Southern Indiana man charged with Child Molestation

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind. — Indiana State Police (ISP) troopers arrested a 43-year-old Washington County man on Wednesday on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of a minor.

Jacob L. Hayes, 43, of Washington County, was taken into custody without incident early Wednesday morning, Feb. 4, at his residence. Troopers from the ISP Sellersburg Post, assisted by Washington County Sheriff’s Department deputies, served an arrest warrant issued by the Washington County Circuit Court.

The investigation began last month after an Indiana Department of Child Services family case manager reported allegations of inappropriate sexual contact to ISP Detective Travis Baker. Detective Baker, working with DCS personnel, conducted the investigation, which included a forensic interview of the victim at a local child advocacy center.

Following the initial investigation, Detective Baker provided all information to the Washington County Prosecutor.

After review of the evidence, the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office obtained the warrant charging the suspect with:   

• One count of child molesting (Level 1 felony)
• One count of child molesting (Level 4 felony)
• Eleven counts of sexual misconduct with a minor (all Level 4 felonies)
• Two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor (both Level 5 felonies)
• Two counts of dissemination of matter harmful to minors (both Level 6 felonies)
• Two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor (both Class A misdemeanors)

Hayes was transported to the Washington County Jail, where he is being held without bond pending initial court appearance.