Sentencing for a former White County correctional officer who pleaded guilty to custodial sexual misconduct involving a female inmate has been postponed until next month. 58-year-old Darren Hays of Carmi was originally scheduled to be sentenced October 22nd in White County Circuit Court. However, the hearing has been rescheduled for November 12th.
Hays pleaded guilty August 27th to three counts of custodial sexual misconduct involving Megan Valentine of Albion, who was being held at the White County Jail while awaiting trial on a first-degree murder charge. Hays faces a potential prison sentence of up to five years on each of the three convictions. He remains free pending sentencing.
According to court information, Hays was suspended from his position at the White County Jail on November 11th, 2025, after video evidence of the misconduct surfaced.
Criminal charges were subsequently filed against him on March 11th, 2026.
Valentine was being held in White County on behalf of Edwards County, where she is accused of fatally shooting her husband, Circuit Judge Michael Valentine.
Following the discovery of the misconduct involving Hays, Valentine was transferred to the Wayne County Jail in Fairfield, where she remains in custody awaiting trial on the murder charge.
The prosecution against Hays is being handled by Gallatin County State’s Attorney Doug Dyhrkopp, who was appointed as special prosecutor.
Cumberland County Circuit Judge Jonathan T. Braden is presiding over the case.
Hays’ sentencing hearing is now scheduled for Thursday, November 12th.