State psychologist indicted for multiple sexual assaults

CLAVERACK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An associate psychologist at the Brookwood Secure Center for Youth in Claverack has been arrested following an extensive sexual assault investigation, according to state police. Dr. Maya Hayes, 46, of Albany, is facing numerous charges.

The Columbia County District Attorney's Office stated that Hayes is accused of sexually assaulting multiple victims at the facility between the ages of 16 and 18 while serving as the Secure Center's clinician. The incidents reportedly occurred between 2020 and 2022.

"These predatorial crimes serve as an unfortunate reminder that our state’s most vulnerable populations are particularly susceptible to abuse. The people of New York, and especially our youth communities, deserve better," said New York State Justice Center Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray. "In creating the Justice Center, New York established the strongest protections in the country for individuals with special needs, including those receiving services at youth detention centers. We must ensure justice is served for these young victims, and we will use every method within our power to hold Ms. Hayes accountable for her actions."

Hayes was indicted by a Columbia County Grand Jury on 62 counts of third-degree criminal sexual act and three counts of third-degree rape. Each count carries a maximum sentence of between one year and four months to four years, which can run consecutively.

District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant issued a statement on the indictment, saying "The children housed at Brookwood deserve to be housed in a safe environment without being sexually assaulted by staff. Unfortunately, Dr. Hayes took advantage of her position of trust and authority to sexually assault multiple minors in her care over the course of several years. We look forward to bringing this case to trial before a jury of the People of Columbia County and to achieving justice for the victims."

Hayes was arraigned at the Columbia County Court before being released under the supervision of the Columbia County Probation Department. She is expected to return to court on July 12.