A plea agreement could be under consideration in the criminal case involving former White County jailer Darren Hays.
According to online court records, a Rule 402 conference was held last Thursday in White County Court involving defense attorney T.J. Parrish, Special Prosecutor Doug Dyhrkopp of Gallatin County, and Judge T. Scott Webb Braden. Rule 402 conferences are private meetings held to discuss potential plea agreements and determine whether a case can be resolved without going to trial.
Hays, 57, is charged with six counts of Custodial Criminal Sexual Misconduct and one count of Official Misconduct.
The charges stem from allegations involving an inmate at the White County Jail. Hays was suspended in November after White County Sheriff Jordan Weiss reported that a review of surveillance video showed what was described as inappropriate conduct involving inmate Megan Valentine, who was being held on a murder charge.
The Illinois State Police later took over the investigation, and Hays was arrested approximately three months after his suspension.
No plea agreement has been announced, and court records indicate the case remains pending. Hays is scheduled to return to court on July 2nd.