Washington County deputy accused of rape fired

STAFF PHOTO ANDY SHUPE Sgt. Craig Stout, left, of the Fayetteville Police Department, speaks Thursday alongside Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder during a news conference to announce the firing of deputy Hayden Miller at the Sheriff’s Office in Fayetteville.
STAFF PHOTO ANDY SHUPE Sgt. Craig Stout, left, of the Fayetteville Police Department, speaks Thursday alongside Washington County Sheriff Tim Helder during a news conference to announce the firing of deputy Hayden Miller at the Sheriff’s Office in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE -- A Washington County sheriff's deputy was fired Thursday after being arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a man.

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Hayden Colt Miller, 23, of Fayetteville was arrested after being questioned at the Fayetteville police station about 2 a.m. Miller confessed to the act but gave no explanation for his action, Fayetteville police spokesman Sgt. Craig Stout said at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

A man told police that he was staying at Miller's home several months ago and he woke up to find Miller performing oral sex on him, Stout said.

"When we are confronted with a situation like this, although uncomfortable, it's my belief that it's never the wrong time to do the right thing," Sheriff Tim Helder said at the news conference. "He [Miller] obviously did the wrong thing, and we are going to hold all of our employees accountable whenever they commit an act [of misconduct]."

Helder said Miller had worked at the sheriff's office since July 2009.

Miller was detained and later released Thursday from the Washington County jail. He is due in Washington County Circuit Court on June 16.

Helder said two other employees have been recently terminated or resigned.

Dalton Shepherd, 22, of Winslow resigned Monday after being arrested on misdemeanor charges involving an argument with his estranged spouse.

Deputy Daren Morrow, 45, who had worked for the sheriff's office for more than 20 years, was fired for being "in violation of our policy," Helder said.

Metro on 05/16/2014

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