RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - A 17-year-old who was arrested for raping a 3-year-old child in 2022 appeared in adult court earlier this year where he was convicted. Evidently, an investigation was first opened after the toddlers mother told police about her discovery when the child told the mother that her “private parts hurt.” That was Assistant District Attorney Trevor Lynch.
As the mother asked the child more questions, she reportedly learned that the toddler's older relative had digitally raped the child. The Assistant District Attorney told WGNS that the 17-year-old relative was interviewed and admitted to the rape. As for the reason the juvenile gave, the teen claimed he was “curious.” According to the Assistant DA, the teen said his curiosity was sparked after learning about such sexual acts from another student at school. A juvenile petition for the teen’s arrest was issued in 2023.
As the case progressed, the Rutherford County Juvenile Court approved transferring the case involving suspect Brendan Hayden to adult court, according to Assistant District Attorney Lynch...
In March of 2024, a Rutherford County Grand Jury heard evidence that led to Hayden being indicted on the charge of “Aggravated Rape of a Child.” A little over one year later, in 2025, a now 19-year-old Hayden, appeared before the local courts and a guilty plea was filed... The guilty plea was to a lesser charge of “Attempted Aggravated Rape of a Child.” As a result, Hayden was sentenced to 10-years in prison, which will be through the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Court records show the sentence is to be served at 100%, meaning behind bars for the duration of the sentence. Hayden was also placed on the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry.
The guilty plea and case results were confirmed by WGNS this past Friday.
