Conner Hays (Cullman County Sheriff's Office)
Updated 8-6-18 at 6:40 p.m.
BATTLEGROUND – Investigators with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) on Saturday arrested Conner Edward Hays, 19, of Buda, Texas for second-degree rape.
According to the CCSO, investigators were contacted about an alleged crime that occurred at Camp Liberty in Battleground. Hays, who was an intern at Camp Liberty, allegedly had inappropriate contact with a minor.
Because the victim is a minor, the CCSO cannot release more details at this time.
Hays has made bond.
The Tribune reached out to Col. Joseph Land, Sr., who owns Camp Liberty, for comment.
Land issued the following statement early Monday evening:
Conner Hayes, 19, from Buda, TX, a volunteer intern at Camp Liberty this summer, was arrested on Friday in Birmingham, AL for alleged inappropriate contact with a minor. He has been charged with rape, 2nd degree. Mr. Hays attended Extreme Military Challenge! (XMC) programs over the course of three years. He is a college ROTC Cadet at The Citadel in South Carolina. He was a volunteer at Camp Liberty. Liberty Communications is fully cooperating with authorities. Mr. Hayes is no longer associated with Camp Liberty or Extreme Military Challenge.
Land elaborated to The Tribune, "Camp Liberty is dedicated to instilling U.S. Army values in young people around the globe. We will fully cooperate with authorities to ensure justice is achieved."
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