WASHINGTON CO. — Indiana State Police troopers arrested a 43-year-old Washington County man 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, 2026, 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 in January 2026 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.
Following review of the evidence, the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office obtained the warrant charging Hayes with one count of child molesting, a Level 1 felony, one count of child molesting, a Level 4 felony, 11 counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, each a Level 4 felony, two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, each a Level 5 felony, two counts of dissemination of matter harmful to minors, each a Level 6 felony, and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor.
Hayes was transported to the Washington County Jail, where he is being held without bond pending initial court appearance.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Travis Baker at the Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post at 800-872-6743.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
