Steven Maurice Hayes, 18, has been arrested and charged in Missoula Justice Court with sexual abuse of children and sexual assault, both felonies.

Chief Deputy County Attorney Jennifer Clark explained the charges that were filed against Hayes.

"Hayes has been charged with sexual abuse of children for possession of photographs of a young girl without any clothing on," Clark said. "He has also been charged with sexual assault for touching the girl inappropriately. The mother of the 12 year-old child found the girl's phone and discovered photographs on the phone of the victim only wearing bra and panties, and also found some nude photos, as well. Further investigation found that those photos had been sent to the defendant at his request."

Court documents state that Hayes deleted the photographs from the victim on his phone when he learned that her phone had been taken away.

Clark details the maximum penalties for the two felonies that Hayes is facing.

"The maximum penalty for sexual abuse of children is 10 years in the Montana State Prison with a $10,000 fine," Clark said. "The maximum penalty for sexual assault is 100 years to life in prison with a $50,000 fine."

Hayes appeared in Missoula Justice Court via video from the Missoula County Jail, where bail was set for $75,000.

Chief Deputy Missoula County Attorney Jennifer Clark

 

 

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