Billy Hayes (writer)
Billy Hayes | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 3, 1947 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Marquette University 1964-1968 (withdrew) |
| Occupations |
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| Criminal status | Unspent (Escaped from Prison) |
| Spouse | Wendy West |
| Parent(s) | William H. and Dorothy E. Hayes |
| Conviction | Drug smuggling |
| Criminal charge | Drug possession; Drug smuggling |
| Penalty | 4 years (1970); Life Imprisonment (1973); Sentence commuted to 30 years (1975) |
William Hayes (born April 3, 1947) is an American writer, actor, film director and convicted drug smuggler. Hayes is best known for his autobiographical book Midnight Express about his experiences in and escape from a Turkish prison, after being convicted of smuggling hashish. Hayes was one of hundreds of U.S citizens in foreign jails serving drug charge sentences, following a drug-smuggling crackdown by foreign governments.