Teen accused in crime spree charged with statutory rape

LEITCHFIELD, Ky. — A teen accused of luring his 13-year-old girlfriend on a 1,300-mile crime spree while eluding police in at least three states tearfully entered a courtroom to make a plea of not guilty to a multitude of charges, including statutory rape.

Dalton Hayes, 18, of Leitchfield pleaded not guilty Thursday to Grayson County charges of third-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking of $10,000 or more, custodial interference, first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree criminal trespassing and sexual intercourse with someone younger than 14. Hayes also faces two warrants in Breckinridge County.

He was appointed a public defender, and the judge set his cash bond at $250,000. His next court appearance is Jan. 29.

At about 8:45 a.m. CT Friday, Phil McGraw, whose syndicated TV advice show Dr. Phil has been on the air for more than a dozen years, visited the Grayson County Detention Center here to interview Hayes. Judge Harold Goff of Kentucky's 46th District Court immediately issued a verbal gag order in the case and issued it in writing a little before noon.

It was unclear whether McGraw was able to speak to Hayes on camera.

Authorities have accused Hayes and his girlfriend of three months of stealing vehicles and cashing checks from a checkbook left in one of the pick-up trucks taken while they were on the run.

Hayes was arrested Saturday in Panama City Beach, Fla., two weeks after he disappeared with the girl. The 13-year-old is expected to face charges in juvenile court.