Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden has agreed to pay a $5,000 civil penalty for violating conflict of interest laws during the 2022 election campaign. The violation stemmed from a press statement released by Hayden’s office that discredited his opponent Ricardo Arroyo, who was facing sexual assault allegations at the time. The statement, which was widely circulated by the media, suggested that the allegations against Arroyo were unfounded. Hayden admitted to the violation and waived his right to a hearing.