Indictment Unsealed in Child Sexual Abuse Case - 17 April 2024

DELHI – District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today that Richard J. Hayes, 36, of Oneonta, New York, appeared in Delaware County Court on April 11, 2024, and was arraigned on a sealed indictment.    

Hayes appeared before the Honorable John L. Hubbard, Delaware County Court Judge, and a Two Count Indictment was unsealed.  Count One of the indictment charged the defendant with Aggravated Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony.  The indictment alleges that on or about August 2, 2023, the defendant inserted his finger in the vagina of a child less than 11 years old.  The indictment further alleges that the defendant caused physical injury to the child. 

Count Two of the indictment charged the defendant with Failure to Register or Verify as a Sex Offender, a Class E Felony. The indictment alleges that on July 2, 2023, the defendant was required to register as a sex offender, but failed to register with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office as he was required by law.  

After being arraigned, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the indictment.  Judge Hubbard remanded the defendant to the Delaware County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000.00 cash bail.

Chief Assistant District Attorney Richard D. Northrup, Jr. presented the case to the Grand Jury. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended New York State Police Investigators Michael Little, Mark Head, and Adam Cernauskas for their investigation of this case.  

As are all persons accused of a crime, this defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. 

Shawn J. Smith 

District Attorney 

Delaware County