Grandmother of missing Ohio County baby arrested

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Kentucky State Police said the grandmother of a missing Ohio County baby was arrested Sunday.

Police said they visited Billie Smith’s home during their search for missing eight-month-old Miya Rudd.

While at the home, officers discovered that Smith had an outstanding warrant for an incident in Daviess County in 2023 that was unrelated to the crime. She was taken into custody and is being held on $25,000 bail.

Officials said they did not find the baby in Smith’s home.

The baby’s parents, Tesla Tucker and Cage Rudd, and grandfather Ricky Smith were arrested last week. They face child abandonment, child abuse and drug charges. They must appear in court on Monday morning.

The missing child investigation was launched Thursday following a search and welfare check on Miya Rudd (Tucker). Police said she was last seen in the care of her parents but could not be located.

Kentucky State Police are asking anyone with information to contact Post 16 at 270-826-3312.