Will Hayden, one of the stars of the Discovery Channel series Sons of Guns, was arrested on child molestation charges in Louisiana. However, he claims that he is innocent.
Hayden was arrested back on Saturday, reports TMZ, which first reported on the arrest. He was taken into custody by East Baton Rouge Sheriff's deputies. In addition to the child molestation charge, he is facing a charge of a crime against nature. He was released on $150,000 bond.
According to the New Orleans Time-Picayune, East Baton Rouge Parish Prison officials would not give any further details on the case, citing a court order.
However, TMZ did get in contact with Hayden. The gunsmith claims that his ex-girlfriend told police over a week ago that he molested a child as an act of revenge for him breaking off their relationship. She is the mother of one of his children.
The daughter spoke with Child Protective Services and was returned home, Hayden claims. Hayden is raising her with his current wife and is cooperating with authorities.
“There was never any impropriety in our home. He was and is a good father,” Hayden’s older daughter, Stephanie, told TMZ.
Stephanie also posted a message on Facebook, calling the allegations false. Her statement reads:
“This was a false allegation and unfortunately that's all it takes. My father is a good man, and ALL of his children love him very much and are truly sickened that a person would try to do this to our family. Its not right. You see the love we have for our family. Please don't believe the headline, READ the rest, even the full story states its not true. The one thing that really hurts us is that my sister is heartbroken that anyone could think this of her father. Its a nightmare...please stand with us.”
Discovery has not commented on the situation on Facebook yet. However, many fans of the show have shown Hayden their support on the show’s Facebook page.