Ordained: 1961

J. Ernest Hayes was included on a list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct released by the Diocese of San Bernardino in October of 2018. According to this list, it has been alleged that Hayes sexually abused children in 1978-1983, 1981, and 1987. The Diocese of San Bernardino became aware of these allegations in 1987, but did not report Hayes to the police until 2002, twelve years after his death in 1990.

J. Ernest Hayes has also been referred to as Ernest J. Hayes.