CLAVERACK – The associate psychologist at Brookwood Secure Center for Youth has been arrested and charged with several counts of sexual abuse.
Dr. Maya Hayes, 46, of Albany, was indicted on 62 counts of criminal sexual act and three counts of rape, all as felonies.
Hayes, who was arrested on Friday, April 12, was arraigned and released under the supervision of the Columbia County Probation Department.
“These predatorial crimes serve as an unfortunate reminder that or state’s most vulnerable populations are particularly susceptible to abuse,” said Maria Lisi-Murray, acting executive director of the Justice Center. “The people of New York, and especially our youth communities, deserve better.”
The State Office of Children and Family Services says the youths served at Brookwood are male and female juvenile offenders and adolescent offenders who, while younger than 16, committed certain violent felonies and were convicted and sentenced in adult criminal court or via family court as part of Raise the Age legislation. Depending upon the sentence, youth may remain in OCFS custody up to age 21.
Juvenile delinquents under the jurisdiction of the family court may also be placed at Brookwood if they have been transferred from a limited secure facility through an administrative action for violent behavior. Juvenile delinquents may remain in State Office for Children and Family Services custody up to age 18 depending on their placement order.
“We must ensure justice is served for these young victims and we will use every method within our power to hold Ms. Hayes accountable for her actions,” said Lisi-Murray.
