ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ARRESTS WHITE COUNTY CORRECTIONAL OFFICER FOR CUSTODIAL SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2026
March 12, 2026
CARMI – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 Special Agents arrested 57-year-old Darren R. Hays of Carmi, IL for six counts of Custodial Sexual Misconduct (Class 3 Felony) and one count of Official Misconduct (Class 3 Felony).
On November 11, 2025, the White County Sheriff’s Office requested ISP’s assistance with an investigation involving Hays, a correctional officer at the White County Jail. An extensive investigation revealed that Hays allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a female inmate while on-duty at the jail.
On March 11, 2026, ISP Special Agents presented the case to the Gallatin County State’s Attorney’s Office, who filed the above-mentioned charges and issued an arrest warrant. ISP arrested Hays the same day and transported him to the Saline County Detention Center where he remains in custody pending his first court appearance. There is no further information.
The charges are not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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