Tennessee Fugitive Isiah Hayes Apprehended by U.S. Marshals After Six-Year Search in Infant Rape Case

Isiah Hayes, 27, was captured by U.S. Marshals after years on the run. He faces charges for the aggravated rape of a 9-month-old infant in Tennessee.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 23, 2026, 4:50 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from CBS Austin

Collaborative Task Force Ends Multi-Year Fugitive Search

The Jackson Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service successfully executed a high-priority arrest Friday, bringing a long-standing child abuse investigation to a critical turning point. Authorities apprehended 27-year-old Isiah Hayes, an individual who had managed to evade law enforcement for approximately six years following his initial indictment. The operation was catalyzed by a specific intelligence report from the Memphis Police Department, which indicated that Hayes had been moving through the Jackson area for several days, prompting a rapid mobilization of the Major Crimes Unit.

Surveillance and Tactical Apprehension in Jackson

Upon receiving the alert regarding the suspect's whereabouts, investigators initiated a focused search of local residential areas. Surveillance teams eventually tracked Hayes to a housing complex, where officers observed him standing in a doorway. Law enforcement officials moved in quickly to secure the area, and Hayes was taken into custody without further incident. The arrest marks the conclusion of a pursuit that had remained active across multiple jurisdictions since a grand jury first moved forward with charges against him in 2020.

Indictment Details Alleged Assault on Nine-Month-Old Victim

The severity of the charges against Hayes stems from a 2020 case that horrified the local community. The suspect was indicted on counts of aggravated child rape, conspiracy to commit aggravated child rape, and especially aggravated solicitation of a minor. According to investigative reports, the victim of these alleged crimes was only 9 months old at the time of the incident. The age of the victim and the nature of the charges elevated Hayes to a high-priority status for the U.S. Marshals, who often assist local agencies in cases involving the most vulnerable populations.