November 21, 2009

Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104

Watertown Pastor Arrested, Charged With Sex Crimes

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Court documents show Dennis Hayes is charged with three counts of sexual contact with a minor.

By Brian Allen

Story Created: Jul 3, 2008 at 8:09 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 7, 2008 at 7:20 PM CST

A Watertown pastor suspected tonight of having sexual contact with a child.

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KSFY obtained these court documents which lays out the case against Dennis Hayes.

In documents released by Watertown Police, we're told the suspected contact happened last Friday when Hayes took a juvenile boy he had been mentoring from the "Southwest Youth Services Center" in Magnolia, Minnesota to a library in Luverne, Minnesota.

The boy claims during the drive to Luverne, Hayes held his hand and told him he loved him.

While at the Luverne library, he claims Hayes rubbed his back outside his shirt.

During the drive back to Magnolia, he says Hayes touched and rubbed his hand again.

And upon arriving in Magnolia, he claims Hayes slid his hand down into his pants and rubbed his buttocks.

The boy told authorities this has been going on for a year.

Hayes has told police he has patted and rubbed the boy in the past to calm him down, but then admitted he had placed his hand in the boys pants and touched his buttocks.

Hayes is a pastor at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Watertown he is now charged with three counts of sexual contact with a minor: In addition, Hayes was arrested today and charged with possession of child porn. He's free on his own recognizance tonight.

I called Dennis Hayes house tonight: I wanted to ask him about these charges made against him.

A female answered the phone and told me he could not talk about it.

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Tuesday, Mar 24 at 11:11 AM Chuck wrote ...

I have know about Hayes for over 30 years and i have though many times about walking in on his sunday sermon to warn all to protect there kids from this sick man. Im so glad he finally got caught. He is guilty for sure! I can only imagine how many kids have been affected by Hayes. I just can't believe it took over 30 years before he got caught. What is wrong with these pastors, preachers, and ministers. What kind of religion produces so many child molesters? Its time to wake up people.

Tuesday, Mar 24 at 10:59 AM Chuck wrote ...

I went to good shepherd lutheran 1980 to 83 in Sioux falls SD where Hayes was the pastor and he tried this inappropriate touching. I figured out later that the school teacher at the time did not like Hayes. I think it was because he knew about Hayes and his problem. I also think this is the reason Hayes eventually got transfered. Also his kids were acting out sexually on the play ground, Humping and grabbing at sexual parts, not normal. I hope he gets what he deserves. Question your religion !!

Wednesday, Jul 23 at 4:52 PM no name wrote ...

Okay seroiusly I understand the proven untill guilty, but he admitted to touching the boys butt INSIDE his pants. This isn't no spankin gesture this is a let me violate your temple....need I say more!!!

Tuesday, Jul 15 at 9:10 AM Very Concerned wrote ...

Has anyone else considered: Pastor Hayes erroneously judged that the most loving thing he could do would be to admit to some of the boy's accusations in order the maintain his trust? I have no answer - only the question.

Sunday, Jul 13 at 3:27 PM FromWisconsin wrote ...

Faults? Forgiveness? Sure. We can forgive him for his wrongs, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't pay the consequences for his crime. Read the police report. This isn't hear-say or a disturbed child's accusations. This is a confession! I know Hayes and his family from several years ago. I wish his wife and children all the best. They did nothing to deserve the trama this "man of God" is inflicting on them as a result of his sick, selfish desires.

Sunday, Jul 13 at 12:50 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Yeah, no doubt this man needs help! This is sick and i feel bad for all those that believed in him and trusted him with their kids. This is very unfortunate. Get this guy HELP!!

Friday, Jul 11 at 11:14 PM Confused wrote ...

Question: I was at a little league game the other day and saw the coach pat a kid on the butt. Have the police been notified of this serious offense?

Thursday, Jul 10 at 9:25 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Lets not all forget we have faults too. He has a sickness, no different then a drug user,or acloholics. They get help and recover. God be with him and his family.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:19 PM Sinful wrote ...

I am confused by all of this but believe that we are all innocent until proven guilty in a court of law not a bunch of people that don't have all the facts. Did you know that the accuser has been kicked out of a private school as well as a public school? No I'm sure you didn't. It doesn't make it right if it is true but at least know your facts before you start trashing someone. I wish that keloland would have left his family photo out of the news they had nothing to do with this. Just venting.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 7:03 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Not saying i have never sinned. But, to this extent or this manner?.. Umm NO! I know my wrong doings, Just like the next guy. But, i assure you.. I would NEVER have this cross my mind or anything close to this, And ANYONE who does,Needs to pay conciquences. This is appauling that someone of this manner would do such a horrible thing. This is sick that someone may pass this on and be OK with it. Yuck!! I am sure he looked the parents in the eye and said "Oh, we had a good time"..

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 3:54 PM person wrote ...

I can't belive that a pastor at my church would do such a terable thing!! It's just appaling!!!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 3:29 PM ANONYMOUS wrote ...

consider the reputation of the child who is making the accusations. he's hungry for attention and is calling the kettle black! enuf said!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 2:57 PM concerned wrote ...

I am not saying it was all right for him or anyone to do this. If he is guilty (finally, God will decide that) he, along with all of us need Christ's forgiveness. 'Anonymous' you have your own sinful weakness(es). Everyone does. Maybe his sin isn't your sin. Your sin is self-righteous judgment of others as if you have no sin. There is no excuse for this sort of sin or any sin. 'Anonymous' if perhaps you think you have no sin, you are sick.Read Luke 7:36-50.Jesus died for sinful women and men.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:19 AM Mrs. Nelson wrote ...

If there is a 'god', then why would he/she let a child be molested?

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:53 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I am appualed by someone saying such things as if it's ok for someone to do this! I am sorry you may have these sick thoughts and want to call your self sick! However, i am not like this. Stop trying to sugar coat it like, it's okay! "IT'S NOT"! Imagine if this boy didnt tell this time. What would it have really led too? No doubt, this man should NOT be walking amoung us! (or me and my family, as far as i am concerend) this is someone who preys on others and took full advantage of his community!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:38 AM Anonymous wrote ...

This man has no "SOUL" he had the wool pulled over many people's eyes. He took advantage of many people. Humiliated him selve and his family. and Victimized people. And somehow this makes me sick?.. I dont put my hands down people pants while hugging them. This is sick! no doubt this man should be locked up. You have a very disturbed mind if you think it's alright he should be walking amoung us. He betrayed alot of people. It was his own doing. Don't push his actions off on any one else!!!!!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:57 AM concerned wrote ...

How many of you who think this man should be locked up 'no questions asked, who are only worried about the church's property, are really concerned about this man's soul??? You call him 'sick'. You know what, so are you, so am I, so is the world!! We are all sick with sins, and if you don't think you are, take a good long look at your own heart!! Jesus said to a bunch of self-righteous Pharisees, "let the one who is without sin cast the first stone." Jesus' free forgiveness is the answer.

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I agree. "NO" kids should be in his presence at this time. "IF" this were my father. Knowing he admitted to such a sickening situation. I would be very cautious to letting him around my kids. Let alone hugging them. You NEVER know what their thoughts are. This is a nasty story. Anyone, with this situation on their hands don't deserve to be walking the streets. I don't care what the situation is. This is not tolerable. It's unexceptable. TO think people looked up to him and he took full advantage

Monday, Jul 7 at 6:21 PM Anonymous wrote ...

"Who in the hell slips their hands down pants and underwear while giving a hug?" I have given many hugs in my life time. To adults and kids and not once has this "EVER" crossed my mind to do so. This is sick! He should be in jail. No questions asked. Especially even that he admitted to it!.. What a judicial system to beleive in. This sickens me. Ugghhh! Gross! Then we have people in jail for WAY LESSER charges than this. This is messed up!!

Monday, Jul 7 at 12:52 PM anonymous2 wrote ...

The guilty came when he admitted to touching the boys tush. It is not an accusation, it is an admission. I still wish those grandkids were not around him for now.

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:48 AM a voice from the past wrote ...

My family has known pastor hayes for many years, our children who attended school with his children. They are fine honest trustworthy helpful...to a person. My heart aches and my prayers are with and for them. The devil does work hardest among Christians, so I am not t blind that there may be truth somewhere in this, As a teacher accusations fly all around from children. Each accusation needs to be taken seriously, but must also be investigated thoroughly. Wrongly accused: very sad if tru

Monday, Jul 7 at 9:44 AM sm wrote ...

what happened to innocent until proven guilty, come on people and news, give the man and family a break!!!!

Sunday, Jul 6 at 11:54 PM anonymous2 wrote ...

The day care moved to his daughters. He had some dinner with some kids last night. There were 2 other adults present though. Should he be around any kids until court?

Sunday, Jul 6 at 12:58 PM LNelson wrote ...

Anonymous - His wife DID run a daycare out of the house. My guess is that she may have "retired" at either the end of the past school year or when he told the church he was going to be semi-retired. You ask -What does a daycare being run out of the residence of a person who has been arrested for Child Pornography and Child Molestation have to do with this? Are you serious that you don't see a connection? Court documents will be posted online tomorrow on another forum. Happy Reading!

Sunday, Jul 6 at 12:05 PM someone wrote ...

yeah maybe your pastor has patted your hand and said he loved you..did he rub your buttocks too?

Sunday, Jul 6 at 10:14 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Christian love is different than slidding his hand down into his pants and rubbing his buttocks. If that is the case this man needs some serious help!!! Time is the penn I say.

Sunday, Jul 6 at 9:11 AM church member wrote ...

While Pastor's wife no longer operates a day care out of the the house, she did. They had no other insurance than what the church provided. This means IF he was abusive to any of those children, their parents could sue the church for damages as they approved the day care facility. it wont take long for all the insurance money to be gone then it will be time to lay off some teachers and pastors then sell some of the church property to pay the legal bills. Lets hope and pray he is innocent.

Sunday, Jul 6 at 8:52 AM sick... wrote ...

sounds like he did some pretty sick stuff to this lil boy if you ask me. If anyone were to stick their hand down my sons pants i'd freak out too!!!

Saturday, Jul 5 at 11:05 PM sam wrote ...

Jay what are you talking about????? Recovering from what. I believe all churches have had some trouble with this. The Catholic Church is the only one mentioned. This man is a Minister not a Priest and he isn't convicted of anything yet. Lets wait for both sides of the story.

Saturday, Jul 5 at 8:59 PM anonymous wrote ...

If the police both in Minnesota and South Dakota believed that this Pastor Hayes is such a bad guy, they wouldn't have left him go home without posting a significant bond. Bond was posted in Minnesota (very minimal) and he was released on his own recognizance - doesn't sound like the authorities are too concerned that these charges are even real.

Saturday, Jul 5 at 1:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Does KSFY have arrest papers or are they just using their "media license" to enhance a story or create sensationalism. I was told that Pastor Hayes was advised by his lawyer not to say anything that may incriminate him, so why would he say that??? Come on people - stop the gossip!!! Also, in the capacity of one's Pastor, it is not unusual for a Pastor to pat your hand and say that he loves you. I am a 50 year old man and my pastor has said that to me in Christian love and I was not offended.

Saturday, Jul 5 at 10:07 AM Jay wrote ...

Another banner moment for the Church! As a recovering Catholic, this doesn't surprise me in the least.

Friday, Jul 4 at 10:57 PM abc wrote ...

What I think we need to remember is that everyone should be viewed as innocent until proven guilty. While the information revealed doesn't look good, there are two sides to every story, and until the case is tried, and a verdict reached, we should not stand in judgement. Our society today is so quick to point the finger at the other guy, and so quick to see the bad in others, that we neglect to be fair and impartial just as we would want others to be to us.

Friday, Jul 4 at 2:07 PM JohnDoe wrote ...

These accusations are very serious. But sense the presedent was set years ago in cases against Catholic priests this is a moot point. We read of accusations such as this against people in authority positions everyday. The whole situation is a sad one.

Friday, Jul 4 at 1:58 PM Anonymous wrote ...

More lies on top of lies. His wife does not run a daycare out of the house. What does that have to do with anything? Do not post something that you do not know about. Think about how your comments affect others. Obviously, the media does not do this. What about the character of the child versus the character of the pastor? Because this station has some arrest papers they feel they can give only half the story. This is an obvious case of media censorship.

Friday, Jul 4 at 8:54 AM anonymous reply wrote ...

Once someone is arrested and charged, it is public record. That means the people have a right to find out what someone is charged with. Any time someone is charged with Kiddie Porn, we have a right to know. ESPECIALLY when they are in a 'trusted' position with your children.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 11:47 PM L Nelson wrote ...

KSFY was the first to reveal his profession. What you missed is that his wife operates a day care out of their residence -- which is owned by the church. Things are going to get pretty ugly.....

Thursday, Jul 3 at 10:17 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Should this information be out if it has not been proven yet for fact that these events happened? These are some pretty serious accusations, affecting someone's reputation, especially if these accusations are not true.

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