Former River Forest church employee charged in second child molestation case

By Ian Fullerton
Oak Leaves
October 20, 2014

http://oakpark.suntimes.com/2014/10/20/former-river-forest-church-employee-charged-second-child-molestation-case/

John Hays | Chicago police photo

A former employee at the First Presbyterian Church of River Forest recently charged with molesting a child is facing new accusations of sexual abuse in connection with a separate incident.

Last week, the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez announced that it had approved an aggravated criminal sexual abuse charge against 57-year-old John Hays, a former director of congregational life at the church, located at 7551 Quick Ave.

According to prosecutors, Hays molested a child that was a member of a family that attended the church in October of 2013.

The offender had allegedly made a visit to the nine-year-old boy’s home after the victim had undergone surgery. As the two watched a movie together, prosecutors said that “Hays got into the same bed with the victim and once the victim began to fall asleep Hays is alleged to have inappropriately touched the child.”

On Oct. 9, River Forest police arrested Hays, who lives in Chicago. His bond was set at $150,000 the next day.

“Our hearts reach out to the victim and family in this incident, and to all families who have been violated in this way,” said River Forest Police Chief Greg Weiss in a statement on Oct. 10. “Law enforcement holds a very important role to help bring justice to these victims, and to assist in the successful prosecutions, which helps prevent additional illegal acts from being committed against our youth in the future.”

The charge is the second of its kind that has come before the former church pastor in recent months. In July, Hays was accused of sexually abusing a different child from the church over a six-year period.

Now an adult, Hays’ victim in that case told police that he recalled being abused by the offender while training to become a camp counselor. Hays admitted to abusing the victim, who was friends with Hays’ sons, from the time he was 8 until he was 13 years old, allegedly fondling and groping the victim in “tickle games” while he drove the child to school.

During interviews with prosecutors over that original charge, Hays “made admissions regarding the inappropriate touching” which he was accused of in relation to the October 2013 incident.

Hay is expected to appear in court regarding the most recent charge on Oct. 31, with another hearing in relation to the first charge set for Nov. 18.