Will Hayden Arrested: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

UPDATE: Sons of Guns CANCELED as Hayden arrested AGAIN, this time charged with CHILD RAPE:


Will Hayden, the star of Discover Channel’s hit reality show Sons of Guns, was arrested on August 9 on charges of child molestation involving his daughter.

Hayden’s show centers around his family-run gun-making business in Louisiana.

Here’s what we know so far:


1. He Was Arrested & Charged With ‘Crimes Against Nature’

Hayden was arrested and charged with “molestation of a child” and “crimes against nature.” He was released after he posted a $150,000 bond on August 9.

The Baton Rouge Advocate reports that the case has been sealed by a judge and that the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office wouldn’t be making any statements about it.


2. Hayden Says the Allegations Came From a Bitter Ex

Red Jacket Firearms Facebook

Hayden and the rest of his crew from Red Jacket Firearms. (Facebook)

Hayden told TMZ the allegations come from a bitter ex-girlfriend, the mother to one of his daughters, who made the outrageous claims to police.

Hayden says the daughter in question was interviewed by child protective services and returned to Hayden’s home. He is raising the girl with his new wife.


3. One of His Other Daughters Called Him a ‘Good Father’

Stephanie Hayden Sons of Guns Facebook

Will Hayden’s daughter and co-star, Stephanie Hayden. (Facebook)

Hayden’s daughter, Stephanie, told TMZ, “There was never any impropriety in our home. He was and is a good father.”


4. This Isn’t His First Brush With the Law

Hayden has had legal difficulties in the past. In 2009, Hayden’s company, Red Jacket firearms, was subject to an ATF investigation over 10 unregistered guns. In 2013, family members filed a lawsuit against Hayden and his ex-wife, Trudy Lee, for selling false shares in his company.

Sons of Guns debuted on Discovery in 2011.


5. He’s a Former Marine

Hayden is a former Marine, joining when he was 18 and serving for six years, eventually attaining the rank of sergeant. He wrote on Guns and Ammo about his pride in being a Marine:

Being called “Marine” was the proudest moment of my life. It’s a title I felt unworthy of then, and one I’m still trying to live up to this day. There were a lot of young Marines at the Ball and I wanted to tell them “thank you,” and I wanted to tell them that as they go through life and through the ranks, they’ll earn many titles, but it’s that first title, “Marine,” that will make all the rest possible.