Update as of 1:10pm
Finally, we’ve received official word thanks to special prosecutor Doug Dhyrkopp. The press release issued by the Illinois State Police delivered courtesy of the Gallatin County States Attorney office confirms 57-year-old Darren Hays has been arrested after what officials call an extensive investigation revealing Hays in an alleged sexual relationship with a female inmate while on-duty at the jail. It took more than four months for ISP to conclude the investigation. Hays remains in custody at the Saline County Detention Center pending an initial court appearance. We’ve been told that is supposed to happen today.
Update as of 11:30am
We’re still awaiting an official press release from Gallatin County States Attorney Doug Dhyrkopp who has been announced as a special prosecutor in the case. Online court records do now show the six counts of Custodial Criminal Sexual Misconduct and another charge of Official Misconduct by a Person in an Authority Position. One of those six counts is listed as occurring on October 14th. Two more are listed as November 4th and the remaining three on November 9th, the night before White County Sheriff Jordan Weiss says a routine review of cameras showed the suspected misconduct.
Update as of 10:50am
We have confirmed that Hays was taken into custody at the ISP post Wednesday and subsequently transported to the Saline County Detention Center. The case will be handled in Gallatin County as per an official with knowledge on the case.
Original story
It’s taken four months of Illinois State Police investigations, but we believe there has finally been action with regards to the suspected misconduct of a White County Jail Corrections officer. WROY/WRUL News began receiving word that there was movement Wednesday around 6:30pm and immediately checked in with Illinois State Police as per usual protocol. We received word just before 7am that our message had been received and they would get back to us. Since then, we’ve also reached out to special prosecutor, Doug Dyhrkopp’s office for confirmation. Another media outlet is reporting the arrest of 57-year-old Darren Hays on Wednesday.
In that report, Hays has allegedly been charged with six counts of Custodial Criminal Sexual Misconduct and another charge of Official Misconduct by a Person in an Authority Position, all felony counts.
The Illinois State Police remain silent as of 11:38am.