A former San Diego Police Department officer sentenced to jail for misconduct on the job – including assault, battery and illegally detaining several women – has been released from jail.
Hays was sentenced to a year in jail on October 3 and served his full sentence, San Diego Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Jan Caldwell said. He was released from the Central Jail at 6:51 a.m. during a scheduled
Defendants are often released early because of good behavior.
Christopher Hays, 30, was sentenced on Sept. 26 to one year in county jail, plus three years of probation. Hays pleaded guilty to felony false imprisonment as well as misdemeanor counts of assault and battery under the color of authority by a peace officer on Aug. 22.
At least four women came forward accusing Hays of allegedly inappropriately touching and groping them during pat-downs while he was on duty.
At his preliminary hearing in April, three alleged victims identified only as Jane Doe One, Two and Three described their interactions with the officer in uniform.
Jane Doe Two said Hays allegedly gave her a pat down that included lingering over every part of her body. Jane Doe Three accused Hays of dropping his hand towards his groin and asking her to touch his body.
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Hays, a four-year veteran of the SDPD, was charged with the misconduct crimes in February. Hours after his arraignment, he resigned from the SDPD, saying he was not guilty. He said he felt betrayed by the department.
Hays denied the groping charges, later pleading guilty to the other counts of misconduct on the job, including battery and assault. Because he did not plead guilty to the sexual allegations, he will not have to register as a sex offender.
Hays' attorney said that, with good behavior, Hays could possibly get out of jail in six months and begin a new life with his family. The attorney said his client plans to eventually move out of San Diego and back to his home state of Arkansas with his wife and kids, where he may pursue a new career as a welder.
