Man found guilty of raping his former schoolteacher

Hayes also convicted of theft, burglary and robbery in the case

Vasquez Hayes listens during a pretrial hearing Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at Miller County Courthouse. Hayes is charged with the 2015 sexual assault of his former Sunday school teacher.
Vasquez Hayes listens during a pretrial hearing Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at Miller County Courthouse. Hayes is charged with the 2015 sexual assault of his former Sunday school teacher.

Vasquez Dominique Hayes was found guilty of seven counts of rape, theft, burglary and robbery today after the Miller County jury deliberated for about 35 minutes.

The punishment phase is under way in the 2015 rape case.

His victim, then 33, told the jury of eight men and four women that something was familiar about the man who wore a tightly-drawn hoodie, sunglasses, a mask and gloves, but it wasn't until after an arrest was made that she realized her alleged attacker was Hayes, a 22-year-old man to whom she'd taught history and English at a local parochial school years before.

For each of two counts of rape, Hayes faces 10 to 40 years or life if convicted. Aggravated residential burglary, aggravated robbery and kidnapping are punishable by 10 to 40 years or life, as well.

For theft involving the woman's stolen car, Hayes faces three to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000 if convicted. For theft involving the woman's debit card and ATM withdrawal, Hayes faces up to six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

Upcoming Events