In a dramatic turn of events, “The Voice” alum Kata Hay was taken into custody in Oklahoma on Dec. 17 after Tennessee police sought public help to locate her following a fatal car crash. The Goodlettsville Police Department had posted a Facebook notice the day before, warning residents to watch for the season-11 contestant as she allegedly fled the scene.
Arrest in Osage County
Hay, whose legal name is Kata Huddleston, was arrested in Osage County, Oklahoma, on Dec. 17. Jail records released to E! News show that she was charged with being a fugitive from justice and is now being held for extradition back to Davidson County. The arrest came after the Tennessee authorities had issued a public alert the day before.
Tennessee Police Alert
On Dec. 16, the Goodlettsville Police Department posted a notice on Facebook that read: “She has outstanding warrants for vehicular homicide in connection with a motor vehicle crash on Hollow Pike near I-65.” The flyer also described a possible route: “We have reason to believe that she may be enroute to Oklahoma and traveling with a white male and quite possibly towing a large camper.” A photo of Hay, the season-11 star, accompanied the post.
Public Tips Lead to Arrest
The next day, the police department thanked those who called in tips about Hay. On their social-media page they added that “as a direct result,” she was “arrested early this morning in Oklahoma, where she will be extradited back to Davidson County.” The statement confirmed the rapid response that followed the public alert.
Charges in Davidson County
Hay faces several serious charges in Davidson County related to a Dec. 10 incident. According to filings viewed by E! News, she is charged with a second-offense DUI, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident with property damage over $1,500, and possession of an open container of alcohol. She is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 2 at 8:30 a.m. local time.
Prior Criminal History
This latest legal battle comes three years after Hay pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual contact with a minor in 2022 in Sumner County. Court filings show she was sentenced to six months in jail, required to undergo a mental-health evaluation, and placed in an intensive outpatient program. In the courtroom, Hay apologized, stating she had been under the influence of alcohol when she committed the crime against a 16-year-old. “I wanna cause no more suffering for anyone,” she told the judge. “I’m truly sorry.”
Background on Kata Hay
Hay first gained national attention on “The Voice” in 2011, when she was mentored by Christina Aguilera. Though she was eliminated in week one of the live playoffs, the experience helped launch her music career and later public persona.
Key Takeaways
- Kata Hay was arrested in Oklahoma on Dec. 17 and is being extradited to Tennessee.
- She faces multiple charges in Davidson County, including DUI and leaving the scene.
- Her criminal record includes a 2022 conviction for unlawful sexual contact with a minor.
In the wake of the arrest, E! News has reached out to Kata Hay for comment but has not yet received a response. The case continues to develop as the legal proceedings move forward in Tennessee courts.
