Bail reduced by half for ex-cop accused of raping 9-year-old family member

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A former Memphis cop who has been behind bars since May 2025 for the alleged rape of a nine-year-old family member has had his bond reduced by half.

Marcus Hayes, 30, will now be eligible for release upon posting a $250,000 bond, down from his previously set $500,000 bond.

The reduction happened during a bond hearing Friday morning. A judge previously denied a bond reduction request in June.

Hayes is accused of raping a nine-year-old family member and inappropriately touching the child several times between April 2023 and November 2024.

Hayes stood trial last month, but it ended with a hung jury, and a mistrial was declared.

The Memphis Police Department hired Hayes as a police officer in December 2023.

MPD terminated Hayes after he was indicted on May 6, 2025, for two counts of aggravated child rape and one count of aggravated sexual battery. Authorities arrested him the next day, and he has remained behind bars ever since.

Hayes was automatically decertified from policing in Tennessee after he failed to appear for his May 14, 2026, hearing with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission.

Hayes will face a new trial, but a date has not yet been set. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 11.

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