Trial date set for Brookwood psychologist accused of sexual assault | Hudsonvalley360.com

Maya Hayes, 46, of Albany, was arrested April 12 and charged with 62 counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and three counts of third-degree rape.

Hayes was charged on April 9 and turned herself in at the Livingston State Police barracks that same month after a warrant was issued for her arrest on April 10.

The investigation into Hayes began in early 2020 and continued until her indictment was filed in April, the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office said.

During the course of the investigation, police suspected that Hayes, a staff psychologist at Brookwood, had sexually assaulted numerous residents during his employment at the facility.

Hayes was initially placed on unpaid leave and then placed on paid leave while the investigation continued.

Officers were alerted to suspicions of sexual abuse after contraband was found in the secure facility. The alleged sexual assault incidents occurred over about two years, from 2020 to the end of 2022, and involved eight victims aged 16 to 18, prosecutors said.

Hayes pleaded not guilty to all charges at her April 12 arraignment. She was released without bail under the supervision of the Columbia County Probation Department.

Columbia County Judge Brian Herman has scheduled Hayes’ trial for January 28, 2025.

After a court briefing Wednesday, Herman said Hayes’ defense attorney Kevin O’Brien and Columbia County Assistant District Attorney discussed possible solutions to the case.

“One thing that I have suggested, and I believe counsel agrees to, in order for the court to properly evaluate any plea offers presented to the court, is that the Columbia County Department of Probation conduct a preliminary investigation,” Herman said.

Hayes’ preliminary examination is scheduled for November 27.

Hayes’ defense attorney has not filed any motions in the case, Herman said in court Wednesday.

“We were in negotiations about a possible solution,” Botts said. “We have no objection to the defense attorney filing motions now.”

Herman gave the defense until November 1 to file motions and the prosecution until November 15 to respond.

Hayes is scheduled to appear in court at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 27