SUFFOLK COUNTY, Long Island (PIX11) -- A former children's group home employee was indicted for allegedly raping a 13-year-old female resident repeatedly, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney, Raymond Tierney.
In May 2023, Hayden Daley, 28, was working as a child support professional at the WellLife Network, which is a children's residential facility run by the New York State Office of Mental Health.
Daley is accused of exposing the victim to "numerous acts of sexual abuse" inside and outside the home over several months, according to officials. Daley learned he was being investigated for the alleged crimes and quit his job at WellLife Network. After quitting, he allegedly continued to meet the victim to sexually abuse her, officials told PIX11 News.
Daley was arrested on Jan. 20 after he allegedly drove to the facility to pick up the victim, but an employee called the police, who came and placed Daley under arrest.
“Children, particularly those who are vulnerable due to their life circumstances, deserve the utmost protection,” said Tierney. “My office is committed to holding accountable anyone who abuses their position of authority to sexually exploit others.”
On Monday, Daley was indicted on the following charges:
- Five counts of rape in the second degree
- Eight counts of criminal sexual act in the second degree
- One count of rape in the third degree
- Three counts of criminal sexual act in the third degree
- Two counts of sexual misconduct
- One count of endangering the welfare of a child
Officials said Daley is due back in court on April 1.
PIX11 News reached out to the New York State Office of Mental Health for a statement but did not immediately receive a response.
Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City and Washington D.C. areas. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.
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