- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Carmi Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois Correctional Officer Arrested for Sexual Misconduct
Darren R. Hays charged with multiple counts of custodial sexual misconduct and official misconduct
Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:48am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Illinois State Police have arrested 57-year-old Darren R. Hays, a correctional officer at the White County Jail, on six counts of custodial sexual misconduct and one count of official misconduct. The charges stem from an investigation that revealed Hays allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a female inmate while on duty at the jail.
Why it matters
The arrest of a correctional officer for sexual misconduct with an inmate raises concerns about abuse of power, the safety and well-being of incarcerated individuals, and the need for stronger oversight and accountability within the criminal justice system.
The details
According to authorities, the White County Sheriff's Office requested assistance from the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 on November 11, 2025, regarding an investigation involving Hays. An extensive investigation revealed that Hays allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a female inmate while on duty at the White County Jail. On March 11, 2026, the Gallatin County State's Attorney's Office filed the charges against Hays, and he was arrested the same day and transported to the Saline County Detention Center, where he remains in custody pending his first court appearance.
- On November 11, 2025, the White County Sheriff's Office requested ISP's assistance with an investigation involving Hays.
- On March 11, 2026, ISP Special Agents presented the case to the Gallatin County State's Attorney's Office, who filed the charges and issued an arrest warrant.
- On March 11, 2026, ISP arrested Hays and transported him to the Saline County Detention Center, where he remains in custody.
The players
Darren R. Hays
A 57-year-old correctional officer at the White County Jail who has been arrested on six counts of custodial sexual misconduct and one count of official misconduct.
Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8
The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and made the arrest of Darren R. Hays.
White County Sheriff's Office
The local law enforcement agency that requested ISP's assistance with the investigation involving Darren R. Hays.
Gallatin County State's Attorney's Office
The prosecutor's office that filed the charges against Darren R. Hays and issued the arrest warrant.
What’s next
Hays will appear in court for his first hearing, where a judge will determine if he will be granted bail or remain in custody pending trial.
The takeaway
This case highlights the critical need for strict oversight and accountability within the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to the treatment of incarcerated individuals and the actions of those in positions of authority over them.
