Child sex abuse charges against former bus driver raise new concerns among Grayson County parents

LEITCHFIELD, Ky. (WDRB+WAVE) — Another crime involving alleged crimes against children in Grayson County has residents frustrated and questioning whether enough is being done to protect kids.

“There’s corruption everywhere,” said Eric Small, life-long Grayson County resident. “... You don’t know who’s trying to hide what, even in a small town.”

The concerns came after 39-year-old Joshua Rudnick was indicted Monday on multiple child sex abuse charges. He was charged with:

• Two counts of unlawful transaction with a minor
• Use of a minor under 18 in a sexual performance
• Two counts of sodomy (third degree)
• Unlawful transaction with a minor (third degree)

According to the indictment, there are four victims, and one of the incidents occurred between Jan. 1, 2010, and Jan. 1, 2011.

Rudnick became a bus driver for the district in 2019, according to his personnel file. In a letter dated Aug. 26, Superintendent Doug Robinson said Kentucky State Police notified the transportation director that Rudnick was being investigated for possible crimes involving children.

The letter said, “... there is no indication that improper activities occurred on school property.”

Last month, Rudnick told WDRB+WAVE the allegations “are completely false.”

The arrest also comes less than two months after a hidden camera was found inside a girls’ softball bathroom at Grayson County High School in September. Leitchfield police officers are still investigating that separate case.

Now, some residents are questioning how much people knew about the incidents and whether information was being withheld.

“Did anybody else at the school know that there was a camera?” Small said. “How many people knew? That’s the question i have. How many people knew there was a camera and just didn’t say anything?”

Small said people want answers.

“You got a lot of people upset,” he said. “They want to see somebody punished.”

Although emotions are running high for many in the county, Small said he thinks it’s important for people to wait until the incidents are thoroughly investigated to draw finite conclusions.

Several other community members said they knew Rudnick and his family. One resident, who asked not to be identified, said the allegations are upsetting.

“I don’t see how people could hurt little children,” the person said. “There has to be some kind of sick thing going on.”

A letter states that Rudnick was initially suspended with pay but was reassigned pending the police investigation.

In a statement Wednesday, Grayson County Schools said Rudnick is no longer with the district.