Investigation reveals couple’s alleged crimes

On June 21st, 2012, Quartzsite Police arrested and booked Quartzsite residents Jennifer Hayes, 31, and William Buckley Jr., 47, into the La Paz County Jail on charges including felony molestation of a child, felony sexual conduct with a minor and felony transferring drugs to/involving a minor in a drug offense.

The investigation into Hayes and Buckley began on June 8th, 2012, when officers from the Quartzsite Police Department assisted Child Protective Services in removing Hayes’ four minor children from her custody. During forensic interviews conducted by child victim advocates and Lake Havasu City Police Detectives at H.A.V.E.N. Family Resource Center, the children revealed information about the conduct of Hayes and Buckley while they lived together in the Las Casas De Quartzsite Apartments. The LHC Police Detectives discovered evidence of several crimes allegedly committed by Hayes and Buckley and referred the matter back to the Quartzsite Police Department for further investigation.

Investigating Officer Richard Paterson conducted interviews with several witnesses, and on June 21st Paterson arrested both suspects and they were transported to the La Paz County Adult Detention Facility in Parker.

La Paz County Justice of the Peace Williams ordered the pair held without bond following their initial appearance on June 22th. The La Paz County Attorney’s office presented the case to a La Paz County grand jury on June 26th, which indicted Hayes and Buckley after hearing testimony from Paterson.

Paterson is continuing his investigation and has identified as many as 8 other alleged victims of similar criminal conduct to date. As evidence is uncovered, the Quartzsite Police Department will be submitting its investigative findings to the La Paz County Attorney’s Office for consideration.

If anyone knows of additional investigative leads or of other potential victims involving these individuals, they should contact the Quartzsite Police Department immediately either by calling La Paz County Central Dispatch at (888) 818-4911 or by calling the Department at (928) 927-4644.