ISP: Washington County man arrested on child molestation charges

The following is a press release from Indiana State Police - Sellersburg:

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind. — 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

• Eleven 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

• Two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, each a Class A misdemeanor

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

 “All subjects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.”