LOS ANGELES (Washington Insider Magazine) – Officials announced Monday that Jaxson Hayes, a center for the New Orleans Pelicans, was booked with misdemeanor domestic violence in relation to an episode at his residence in Los Angeles last year.
According to a criminal complaint lodged Monday, the 6-foot-11 Hayes faces 12 accusations linked to an altercation with his girlfriend, involving trespassing, domestic violence, false detention, and vandalism, as well as battery of a law enforcement officer and refusing arrest.
Hayes, 21, was arrested at his house in the Woodland Hills suburb of Los Angeles on July 28 after a conflict with police.
Officers were dispatched to Hayes’ residence after his girlfriend’s cousin dialed 911. Hayes’ girlfriend was actually sending her text messages, according to officials, indicating that Hayes had grown loud and abusive and that she was afraid.
Hayes, who was unarmed, became furious after authorities told him he couldn’t return home, according to police. He is accused of ignoring his girlfriend’s and cousin’s demands to cease talking and battling with the cops when they attempted to apprehend him.
In a statement released Tuesday, Hayes’ defense lawyer, Mark Baute, stated, Jaxson Hayes is a terrific young man who will comply both with the NBA and the City Prosecutor in addressing the misdemeanor charges.
Hayes was released on a $25,000 bail following the July incident. The date of his arraignment has been scheduled for Feb. 15. On February 14 and 15, the Pelicans host the Toronto Raptors and the Memphis Grizzlies in back-to-back home games.
The District Attorney’s Office prosecutes offenses in Los Angeles County, whereas misdemeanors are frequently referred to the City Attorney’s Department.
The fact that Hayes’ prosecution is not being overseen by District Attorney George Gascón has enraged the Los Angeles police officers’ union. According to NBC News, Gascón, a veteran Los Angeles police officer, has been in conflict with police departments and victim advocate groups for months.
The union, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer for taking on the matter.
On Tuesday night, the Pelicans travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers. Hayes’ participation in the game was uncertain.
Image via OpenCourt-Basketball
