Keloland
January 14, 2009
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=0,79078
A Watertown pastor has pleaded guilty to having child pornography.
Investigators found child porn on Dennis Hayes' computer after searching his home this summer. He also faces charges for sexual contact with a minor in Minnesota.
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Dennis Hayes was serving St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Watertown when he was charged.
"I just couldn't believe it because I'm his neighbor besides being a member of the church," Dell Philps said.
Philps knew Hayes before he began serving his church in Watertown, not only as a pastor but also a friend.
"Well, a very close friend; he was like one of the family," Philps said.
Hayes no longer works at the church and he says his lawyer told him not to speak publicly about the case at this time. He could face up to ten years in prison, a $20,000 fine or both.
"I had no indication of all the years I knew him that anything would be amiss," Philps said.
As Hayes awaits sentencing in Codington County and more charges in Minnesota, a friend and neighbor, though shocked, says some things won't change.
"Still a good friend of mine," Philps said.
Hayes is scheduled to be sentenced at the end of February. A pre-sentencing investigation, which includes a psychosexual assessment, needs to be done first.
Prosecutors in Minnesota have been waiting for these charges to be resolved before moving forward with their case.
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