Hayden McKenzie, a 23-year-old police officer, is facing a new second-degree rape charge, according to Louisiana authorities. This development follows his prior arrest in Walker on charges of indecent behavior with a juvenile. The Livingston Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed that McKenzie, who had initially bonded out after his first arrest, is now being processed back into the Livingston Parish Detention Facility on the more severe second-degree rape charge.
McKenzie was first taken into custody and booked for indecent behavior with a juvenile on October 5 in Walker. Deputies initiated their investigation into McKenzie in August, following a sexual assault complaint. This complaint concerned an alleged incident that reportedly occurred in April 2025. Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard provided further details regarding this initial complaint, stating that detectives were notified the incident happened within Livingston Parish. According to Sheriff Ard, the victim in this specific case was a 13-year-old juvenile at the time of the alleged incident.
Upon learning of McKenzie’s initial arrest for indecent behavior with a juvenile, the Walker Police Department took action regarding his employment. The department stated that, pursuant to their established policies and procedures, McKenzie was suspended with pay. This suspension is set to remain in effect pending the outcome of an administrative investigation that the department will conduct, as well as awaiting the disposition of the charge filed by the sheriff’s office. The Walker Police Department also explicitly stated that they are "prohibited by our policies and procedures from commenting further at this time" concerning the details of McKenzie’s case or his employment status beyond the suspension.
The subsequent second-degree rape charge emerged following McKenzie's initial arrest and after he had posted bond. The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that they were contacted by an adult woman. This woman came forward after McKenzie’s initial booking, providing information about a separate alleged sexual assault. The alleged incident involving the adult woman reportedly occurred in April 2024, a year prior to the alleged incident involving the juvenile victim.
Sheriff Ard confirmed the progression of this second investigation, stating that it led to the new charge. He explained that based on "evidence uncovered by our team," the new charge of second-degree rape was filed against McKenzie. Consequently, McKenzie is now being processed back into the Livingston Parish Detention Facility. This processing means he will be held on the new second-degree rape charge, having previously been released on bond following his arrest for indecent behavior with a juvenile.