[2] While serving as mayor, he was charged with conspiracy, corruption and defrauding the town of Waterbury of more than one million dollars.
After his father's death in 1913, Hayes assumed control of the family businesses, which included real estate, a brewery and the Jacques Theater.
At least $600,000 in city funds were paid for contracting work that was never done, and fees of $175,000 were split among Hayes, his associates in the mayor's office, and vendors and contractors.
Rowland uncovered the illegal activity involving millions of dollars funneled to Hayes and his associates and leaked his findings to the local newspaper, Waterbury Republican and American.
Based on the newspaper stories, the following year a grand jury indicted Hayes, four other city officials and 23 others.