Former Wyckoff Youth Pastor Sentenced to Six Years in Sex Abuse Case
By Allison Pries
David Hayman, 38, a married father of three, appeared before Judge Margaret Foti in Superior Court in Hackensack. He listened, his eyes fixed on the table in front of him, while three victims, now in their 20s, spoke of the damage they suffered after becoming his “daughters,” as Hayman had described a select group of girls on whom he showered special attention. “What could be safer than a youth group?” Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor Demetra Maurice said. “But it wasn’t.” Hayman had inappropriate relationship with at least five girls at Cornerstone Christian Church, a 1,200-member congregation on Wyckoff Avenue attended by residents of Bergen, Passaic and Rockland counties. “I struggle with guilt because I should’ve recognized the signs of grooming,” one victim told the judge. Another recalled Hayman guiding her hand to his lap on a flight home from a church trip to Ireland, and him saying, “Remind me not to sit next to you when I’ve been away from my wife this long.” A third described 10 psychotropic medications and nearly a half-dozen therapists she has seen since she was victimized by Hayman. “Knowing this man has been the most negative experience of my life,” she said. Foti sentenced Hayman under the terms of a plea agreement that he accepted June 9, in which he pleaded guilty to one count each of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child by sexual conduct. In addition to serving prison time, he will have to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law and may not have contact with the victims, per Nicole's Law. He also will be under parole supervision for the rest of his life. Hayman had worked with teens at the Wyckoff church for about 10 years, growing its youth program from 30 children to about 300, said Joseph Ayoubi, a childhood friend and a retired Hackensack Police officer who spoke on Hayman's behalf in court. “I hope that his accomplishments can mean something today,” said Ayoubi, who met Hayman while they were in a church youth group as children. But Maurice, the assistant prosecutor, said that any good Hayman did has to be completely erased. “He used his position, he used his faith – he used their faith – in order to commit sexual crimes against them,” she said. He added that one girl became upset after he had sex with her, and that he prayed over her. Hayman was fired by the church in May 2014, five days after leaders learned of the text messages. The sexual assaults came to light months later, during an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office. “These children will never be the same,” Foti said. “This is the ultimate betrayal of trust.” Hayman’s parents and sister sat across the gallery from three benches of victims and their friends and relatives. His mother collapsed onto his sister’s shoulder and sobbed when Hayman was led out of the courtroom in handcuffs “Clearly we were faced with a very troubling situation,” said David J. Altieri, Hayman’s attorney. “I appreciate that the court took the time to review everything and hand down what we believe to be a fair disposition.” Fred Provencher, pastor of Cornerstone Christian Church, who was out of town Friday, said in a statement that he hopes the court action on Friday “brings a measure of healing to the victims and their families.” He thanked authorities and said, “As Christians, we believe that God can bring life out of death and provide hope, even in the most difficult circumstances. We pray that for all involved, including David Hayman and his family Email: priesa@northjersey.com
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