Man accused of raping 9-month-old infant caught after years on the run, police say

JACKSON, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - The Jackson Police Department announced the arrest of a man wanted for sexual exploitation crimes involving an infant.

Isiah Hayes, 27, was taken into custody Friday on charges of aggravated child rape, conspiracy to commit aggravated child rape and especially aggravated solicitation of a minor.

Authorities said the child in the case was just 9 months old.

Jackson police said its major crimes unit was notified by the Memphis Police Department that Hayes had been traveling in Jackson over the last several days.

Investigators followed leads to the Lincoln Courts housing complex, where they spotted Hayes in an apartment doorway.

Jackson officers and U.S. Marshals arrested Hayes without incident.

“The Jackson Police Department would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the United States Marshals Service for their assistance in this high-priority apprehension,” Jackson authorities said. “Their partnership and unwavering commitment to the safety of the citizens of Jackson and the broader West Tennessee region remain vital in removing violent offenders from our streets.”

Hayes was one of four men indicted in Shelby County in 2020 for alleged sex crimes involving the abuse of two young children and a baby. The abuse was reportedly recorded on cellphone video.

He was 17 at the time of the alleged crime and was released on a $10,000 bond.

Hayes’s current bond information or court date was not immediately available.