Hunter
12/19/19
An Iowa City man who was sentenced to probation at Hope House has been arrested after leaving the facility and leaving threatening messages with a woman who has a no-contact order for him.
Police say that 40-year-old Benjamin Hayes was on probation for Forgery and Child Endangerment charges. On September 14th, 2018, Hayes left the facility at about 1:30 pm to look for employment, and was due to sign back in at 4:15 that afternoon. Hayes did not return, and a warrant was issued for his arrest three days later.
In August of this year, Hayes reportedly sent a series of text messages to the protected party, including statements “both of you mf on my hit list,” and “your time is up, hoe.” The woman was in fear for her safety, and because of the previous history between the two, the woman believed that Hayes would not hesitate to carry out the threats.
The no-contact order is in effect for a five-year period ending in August of 2023.
An additional warrant was requested for the no contact violation. He was located and booked into the Johnson County Jail early Thursday morning. He faces new charges of voluntary absence, violation of a no-contact order and 2nd degree harassment. If convicted on the new charges, Hayes could be sentenced to an additional two years in custody.