From 13th District Attorney Bryant C. Dunaway:

State v. Jayden Ray Worley, Putnam County

On February 3, 2024, Jayden Ray Worley committed the crime of Aggravated Rape against a woman he knew. The allegations were investigated by the Cookeville Police Department led by Detective Brandon Cooper.

The results of the investigation were presented to the Putnam County Grand Jury for its’ consideration. The Grand Jury found probable cause that the crime was committed and issued a True Bill of Indictment formally charging Jayden Ray Worley with the offense of Aggravated Rape.

In this instance, the crime of Aggravated Rape involved the unlawful sexual penetration of the victim by the defendant and the defendant caused bodily injury to the victim. This crime is a Class A felony offense.

This case was tried to a Putnam County jury beginning on Monday, March 3, 2025. Last evening, March 5, 2025, after 3 days of testimony and proof, which included DNA evidence, expert medical testimony, witness testimony and the courageous testimony of the victim, a Putnam County jury unanimously convicted Jayden Ray Worley of the offense of Aggravated Rape.

After the jury verdict, the Criminal Court ordered any bond that may have been in place to be revoked and the defendant was taken into custody in the courtroom. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 26, 2025.

This case was tried on behalf of the Office of the District Attorney General by Assistant District Attorney Evan Smith and Jenna Huff with the assistance of Victim/Witness Coordinator Ashley Gentry.

Please pray for the victim in this case. She showed great courage in coming forward to report this crime and in following through with her testimony describing the worst day of her life.