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Name:
Hayward, Aaron Christopher
Date of Booking:
10/19/2025
Reason(s) For Booking:
Interference with Custody (M)
Interference with Custody (M)
Enticing Child for Indecent Purposes
Enticing Child for Indecent Purposes
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
[NARRATIVE #1 on April 27, 2021]
On 042721, Detective Licklider responded to the incident location on a runaway juvenile report.
Upon arrival, Detective Licklider spoke with the complainant attempting to gain more information on her daughter. While speaking with the complainant, she received a phone call from her daughter, stating, she was in Ohio at a rest area on Interstate 71. The juvenile was located by the Ohio Highway Patrol and the complainant was given an address where the juvenile would be located for pick-up by the Ohio Highway Patrol.
The juvenile would not explain how she got to Ohio or any of the circumstances about the incident.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #2 on June 27, 2021]
On 06/27/2021, at approximately 1008 hours, Deputy Henry responded to [900 BLOCK] Poplar Springs Road in reference to a missing juvenile that had been last seen on 06/26/2021 at approximately 2300 hours.
Deputy Henry arrived on scene and met with the mother of the juvenile who stated that at approximately 0900, she had noticed that the juvenile had not been up yet to get ready for church. Upon investigation, the complainant stated that the juveniles bedroom door was locked and that she had to unscrew the doorknob in order to get into the room. When she was able to make entry into the bedroom, she noticed that [VICTIM #1] was not there.
The complainant stated that she had checked around the house and around the property and was not able to locate her. The complainant had also reached out to one of her friends, who also stated that they had not seen or heard from her.
Deputy Henry asked the mother if she knew of any friends that she would do this with, which she stated that she would only have that one friend that she would associate with.
The mother also stated that the juvenile did not have a phone and that it was in the custody of the Catoosa County Sheriffs Office due to a previous incident.
The complainant told Deputy Henry that the juvenile appeared fine the night before but has had a history of being depressed. When asked if the juvenile had ran away in the past, she then stated that she has once but was located in the woods around the property not much later.
Deputy Henry spoke to Detective Licklider who stated that he would be following up with the situation. Deputies conducted a search of the nearby wooded area with K9 assistance, with nothing being found.
The juvenile was entered into GCIC/NCIC as missing and a BOLO was given out to the surrounding area.
At approximately 1526, the complainant received a phone call from the juvenile stating that she was in the area of Cinncinatti, Ohio off of Highway 71 and at a rest area. The juvenile stated that she was with two females that were also at the rest area. The juvenile stated that she had left with a male subject in the middle of the night.
Troopers from Ohio State Police took the juvenile into protective custody until the family could get there and retrieve the juvenile.
The juvenile was then cleared from GCIC/NCIC as missing.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #3 on June 28, 2021]
On 062821, Detective Licklider contacted the Ohio State Patrol an was able to get a CAD report from the incident in Ohio, where the juvenile was located and recovered. The report did not have the Troopers narrative but the CAD indicated a possible arrest was made.
The reporting Trooper is off until 06/30/21. Detective Licklider sent an e-mail to the Trooper requesting the narrative and any other information to the incident when it was completed.
A CAC interview is scheduled for 062921, the complainant was advised and agreed on date and time.
This case remains active.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #4 on June 29, 2021]
On 062921, Detective Licklider attended a CAC interview with the juvenile. The video was recorded.
Detective Licklider obtained 2 felony warrants for Enticing A Child For Indecent Purposes and 2 misdemeanor warrants for Interference with Custody on ACH. All warrants were entered NCIC and copies, faxed to Clinton County, Ohio Jail where the offender, ACH is currently incarcerated.
This case remains active.
[End of Narrative]
[NARRATIVE #5 on October 19, 2025]
Deputy Stooksbury arrested the offender at the Silverdale Detention Facility on 10/19/2025. The offender was handcuffed behind his back. The handcuffs were double-locked after checking for fit. The offender was searched prior to being placed in the rear seat of the patrol vehicle. The offender was not seat-belted per his request.
The offender was transported to the Catoosa County Detention Center and the warrants were served upon arrival. The rear seat of the patrol vehicle was searched before and after transport with nothing found. The warrants were cleared from NCIC by Catoosa 911.
[End of Narrative]
The information below reflects all details available at the time of publication and was obtained directly from the official court database accessible to the public. Court records are subject to change at any time at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies within the docket. No information provided should be construed as legal advice or opinion. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
11/05/25
ARREST WARRANTS FILED
What this means: Four separate arrest warrants were filed with the court clerk for Aaron Christopher Hayward in Catoosa County Superior Court case 2025-SU-CR-486. The warrants were numbered W21-1486, W21-1487, W21-1488, and W21-1489.
11/05/25
INDICTMENT RETURNED
What this means: A grand jury in Catoosa County formally charged Aaron Christopher Hayward with two felony counts of enticing a child for indecent purposes. The indictment was returned on November 5, 2025, and included a witness list with individuals from law enforcement, the Children’s Advocacy Center, and other agencies who may testify at trial.
11/19/25
OMNIBUS MOTION FILED
What this means: Aaron Hayward’s defense attorney Jeremy E. Jones filed a comprehensive motion requesting various pre-trial matters including a demand for indictment and witness lists, testimony of expert witnesses, statements of witnesses, discovery, and disclosure of favorable evidence. This is a standard defense filing that requests the prosecution to provide evidence and comply with discovery rules.
11/19/25
MOTION TO SUPPRESS AND MOTION IN LIMINE FILED
What this means: Aaron Hayward’s attorney Jeremy Jones filed motions asking the court to suppress physical evidence and statements allegedly obtained from Hayward on or about June 19, 2021. The motion claims officers arrested and searched Hayward without probable cause and that he was subjected to custodial interrogation by law enforcement.
11/21/25
WAIVER OF ARRAIGNMENT SIGNED
What this means: Aaron Hayward waived his right to appear at an arraignment hearing and entered a plea of “Not Guilty” to all charges in the indictment. By signing this waiver, he acknowledged understanding the charges against him and his legal rights without having to appear in court for the formal reading of charges.
11/25/25
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING SCHEDULED AT 9:00 AM
What this means: An arraignment is the defendant’s first formal court appearance where they are advised of the charges against them and enter a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest. The judge may also address bond conditions or other initial matters at this stage.
11/26/25
LETTER FROM DEFENDANT RECEIVED
What this means: Aaron Hayward wrote a handwritten letter to the Catoosa County Superior Court clerk requesting copies of all documents filed in his case. In the letter, he mentioned receiving copies of everything filed between September 2024 and June 2025 and asked for copies of any additional filings.
12/19/25
ORDER TO PERMIT ACCESS TO RECORDS SIGNED
What this means: The court issued an order allowing Aaron Hayward’s defense team to access records from the Children’s Advocacy Center related to his case. The order requires that these confidential records remain in the immediate custody and control of defense counsel and sets strict guidelines for their use and protection.
12/22/25
NOTICE OF COMPLIANCE WITH DISCOVERY FILED
What this means: The prosecution filed notice that they have provided Aaron Hayward’s defense team with required discovery materials including a copy of the indictment, electronic discovery, and disc materials. The state also notified the defense of their intent to use child hearsay statements during trial, as allowed under Georgia law.
12/22/25
NOTICE OF PROSECUTION’S INTENT TO PRESENT OTHER CRIMES EVIDENCE FILED
What this means: District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller notified Aaron Hayward’s defense that the prosecution intends to present evidence of other alleged crimes at trial. This evidence would be used to show motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, or absence of mistake.
1/6/26
MOTION HEARING AT 9:00 AM
What this means: At a motion hearing, attorneys ask the judge to decide legal or procedural issues before trial, such as suppressing evidence or clarifying what will be allowed in court. These rulings can significantly impact how the case is presented later.
1/07/26
ORDER OF CONTINUANCE FOR MOTION HEARING ISSUED
What this means: The motion hearing scheduled for January 6, 2026, in Aaron Hayward’s case was continued until February 10, 2026. This order was signed by a Superior Court judge and prepared by Senior Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth O. Evans.
2/10/26
MOTION HEARING AT 9:00 AM
What this means: This is another pretrial hearing to address additional legal motions or unresolved issues. Multiple motion hearings are common, especially in more complex cases or when new matters arise.
02/10/26
ORDER OF CONTINUANCE ISSUED
What this means: The motion hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026, in Aaron Hayward’s case was continued until March 5, 2026. This order was prepared by Senior Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth O. Evans from the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.
02/13/26
MOTION TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL FILED
What this means: Defense attorney Jeremy E. Jones filed a motion asking the court to allow him to withdraw as Aaron Hayward’s counsel. The motion cited that Jones was notifying the defendant of his withdrawal and that the court retains jurisdiction over the case. Jones requested that future notices be sent to Jad Johnson, the new public defender counsel.
02/17/26
NOTICE OF APPEARANCE BY PUBLIC DEFENDER FILED
What this means: Assistant Public Defender Jad Johnson from the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit filed notice that he was appearing as counsel for Aaron Christopher Hayward. The filing requested that the court include his address in all future correspondence and notices related to the case.
02/26/26
NEW DEFENSE ATTORNEY ENTERS APPEARANCE
What this means: Regina T. Stamps, a private defense attorney from Chickamauga, Georgia, filed an entry of appearance as counsel for Aaron Christopher Hayward. She also filed notice of her election to proceed under Georgia’s speedy trial provisions (OCGA 17-16-1), which requires the state to bring the case to trial within specific time limits or risk dismissal.
3/2/26
CALENDAR CALL: JURY TRIAL HEARING SCHEDULED AT 9:00 AM
What this means: A calendar call is when the court reviews a list of pending cases to determine which ones are ready for trial. Both sides update the judge on the status of the case, and the court may confirm, delay, or prioritize the upcoming trial date.
03/02/26
ORDER OF CONTINUANCE FOR JURY TRIAL ISSUED
What this means: Aaron Hayward’s jury trial, which had been scheduled for the March 2026 term of Catoosa County Superior Court, was continued until the next special session for jury trials. The case was not scheduled for the regular term of the Catoosa County Superior Court.
03/02/26
SECOND NOTICE OF COMPLIANCE WITH DISCOVERY FILED
What this means: The state filed another notice of compliance with discovery requirements, providing Aaron Hayward’s defense team with required materials including a copy of the indictment, electronic discovery except for certain materials not in the TED system, and disc materials. The filing also included notice of intent to use child hearsay statements and information about records from the Children’s Advocacy Center.
03/12/26
CONSOLIDATED DEFENSE MOTIONS FILED
What this means: Aaron Hayward’s attorney Regina T. Stamps filed an extensive consolidated motion requesting multiple forms of relief from the court. The motion includes demands for copies of the indictment, discovery materials, witness lists, expert testimony, statements of witnesses, disclosure of favorable evidence, inspection of physical evidence, hearing and motion schedules, and other pre-trial requests. This comprehensive filing seeks to ensure the defense has access to all evidence and procedural protections before trial.
3/16/26
JURY TRIAL HEARING AT 9:00 AM
What this means: This is the scheduled date for the jury trial to begin, where both sides present evidence and arguments before a jury. The jury will ultimately decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based on the evidence presented.
4/14/26
MOTION HEARING SCHEDULED AT 9:00 AM
What this means: This indicates that even after a scheduled trial date, additional legal issues or motions needed to be addressed by the court. It may suggest the trial was delayed or that further rulings were necessary before the case could proceed.
4/17/26
WITHDRAWAL OF DEFENDANT’S CONSOLIDATED MOTIONS
What this means: Aaron Christopher Hayward’s defense attorney Regina T. Stamps filed a notice withdrawing all of the consolidated motions she had previously filed on behalf of her client in Catoosa County Superior Court case 2025-SU-CR-486. This withdrawal was filed on April 17, 2026, and effectively removes all pending defense motions from consideration by the court.
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