ST. LOUIS
POST-DISPATCH
A former Moline Acres police officer has been indicted for allegedly
sexually assaulting a woman during a traffic stop, then lying about it
to FBI agents, the U.S. Attorney’s office announced this
morning.
A federal
grand jury indicted Khnum Haim Hayes, 35, one felony count of
depravation of civil rights and one felony count of making false
statements on Thursday and he was arrested that evening.
According
to a copy of the indictment, on December 1, Hayes allegedly grabbed the
woman’s breasts and genitals, then attempted to have sex with
her.
On December
20, Hayes lied to FBI agents who were investigating the
woman’s allegations, the indictment says.
Moline
Acres Police Chief G. Thomas Walker could not be immediately reached
for comment. Mayor George H. Murphy referred questions to Walker.
"This
office will make every to prosecute crimes that violate the trust
placed in people we depend upon to protect our citizens," U.S. Attorney
Catherine L. Hanaway said in a statement announcing the arrest and
indictment.
Hayes could
face up to life in prison or a fine of up to $500,000, or both, if
convicted, the U.S. Attorney’s office said.