Felony charge reduced

CATLETTSBURG, Ky. — A former Coal Grove police officer who was arrested in Ashland, Ky. for impersonating a police officer last month must complete an 18-month drug court program or face a year in jail.

On Wednesday, Joshua C. Hayes, a resident of Ashland, pled guilty to one count of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor, after agreeing to participate in a drug court program to lower the previous felony charge of impersonating a police officer.

Hayes was stopped on the 13th Street Bridge in Ashland on July 15 by the Ashland Police Department Street Crimes Task Force. When asked for his driver’s license, Hayes produced a Coal Grove Police Department identification card.

Lt. Darren Wilson, APD Criminal Investigations and Street Crimes Task Force Commander said he couldn’t give details on why Hayes was initially stopped, but said he wasn’t detained because of the ID and that he said he was in Ashland working on an investigation.

Upon learning that Hayes was no longer employed as an officer in Coal Grove, he was arrested at his home on Thomas Street in Ashland.

CG Police Chief Eric Spurlock said Hayes was fired for not following the proper procedures of the department.

Kentucky Commonwealth attorney, Davis Justice, said he could not comment as to whether Hayes had a drug problem or if his initial stop by the APD was related to drugs.

“We believe he has a drug problem otherwise he wouldn’t have agreed to go to drug court, he said.” “You go to drug court if you have a drug problem. You have to admit you have a drug problem before you’ll be accepted.”

Justice said Hayes would remain in the Boyd County Detention Center until he could begin the drug court program, about three to four weeks.

“If he does not successfully complete the drug court for any reason, he is to serve 365 days in jail,” Justice said. “If he completes that course then we drop the charges at the end of the successful completion of the course.”

Justice said the program meets at the judge’s leisure, usually several times a week, and incorporates regular drug testing.

Hayes was also charged with carrying a concealed deadly weapon, but that charged was dismissed in court because Hayes did have a permit.