SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A man was indicted after he was accused of repeatedly raping a 13-year-old girl who was a resident of the WellLife Network in Dix Hills, the children’s group home he was employed at, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said on Tuesday.
Hayden Daley, 28, of Deer Park, was indicted on second-degree rape charge and other related charges, the DA said. Daley pleaded not guilty, said his lawyer, Robert Macedonio.
“At this time, he maintains his innocence and is looking forward to his day in court,” Macedonio told Patch.
Daley is due back in court on April 1.
“Children, particularly those who are vulnerable due to their life circumstances, deserve the utmost protection,” Tierney said in a news release. “My office is committed to holding accountable anyone who abuses their position of authority to sexually exploit others.”
In May 2023, Daley was a child support professional at the WellLife Network, a residential facility for children operated by the New York State Office of Mental Health, investigators said. Over several months, Daley sexually abused the girl both inside and outside of the group home, prosecutors said.
After Daley learned that was under investigation, he quit his job at the WellLife Network, the DA said. However, Daley continued to meet the girl outside of the group home on various occasions and sexually abused her, authorities said.
On Jan. 20, 2024, Daley drove to the group home and attempted to pick the teenager up in his car, but an employee of the facility called the police, officials said. Officers arrested Daley, authorities said.
Daley was arraigned Monday on five counts of second-degree rape; eight counts of second-degree criminal sexual act; one count of third-degree rape; three counts of third-degree criminal sexual act; two counts of sexual misconduct; and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.
Daley was ordered held on $80K cash, $160K bond, or $800K partially-secured bond while his case pends.
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