KINGMAN – A teenager molested by his father at separate addresses in Golden Valley asked a local judge Thursday to place his dad on probation rather than send him to prison. Defense attorney Paul Amann asked that the Courtroom be cleared before the victim spoke, but his request was rejected by Judge Sipe.
The teen explained that he resides elsewhere and is out of harm’s way from his father Larry Hayes, 35. He said that his father needs help but should also be allowed to have some involvement with his younger brother.
“I know that it will never happen again,” the victim told Judge Billy Sipe. “I still want my dad in my life.”
Hayes pleaded guilty to two reduced counts of attempted sexual conduct with a minor.
“I love my kids,” Hayes offered, drawing rebuke from the Court.
“I actually cringed when the defendant said he loved his children,” Judge Sipe said. “You have victimized your son in a very negative way on multiple occasions over a couple of years.”
Sipe sent Hayes to the Arizona Department of Corrections for seven years and ordered that he register as a sex offender and serve lifetime probation upon his release from prison.
“Who is going to take care of my grandfather when I’m in prison,” Hayes queried at the hearing’s conclusion. “I’m his caretaker.”
Judge Sipe replied that had not been brought to his attention during the proceedings and that he is unable to help in that regard anyway.
- -Dave Hawkins
