Crime & Safety

November Trial Date Set For Ex-Officer Accused of Groping Women During Stops

Christopher Hays, 30, is charged with five counts, including felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor sexual battery.

A Nov. 10 trial date was set today for a former San Diego police officer accused of groping and illegally detaining four women while on duty.

Christopher Hays, 30, is charged with five counts, including felony false imprisonment and misdemeanor sexual battery. He faces up to three years and eight months in state prison if convicted.

Hays pleaded not guilty today at his Superior Court arraignment.

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Three women testified at a preliminary hearing last month, alleging they were groped after being contacted and searched by Hays, a four-year SDPD veteran who resigned the day after he was charged in February.

A fourth woman alleged that Hays groped her after her arrest for shoplifting, according to SDPD Detective Cory Gilmore.

Find out what's happening in La Jollawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In his ruling ordering the defendant to stand trial, Judge Charles Rogers found that the alleged victims who testified were "credible, truthful and accurate."

Hays remains free on $130,000 bail. A status conference is scheduled July 18.

—City News Service


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