Fourth and fifth arrests in investigation into missing 8-month-old child | News

OHIO COUNTY, Kentucky (WEVV) – Two new arrests have been made in connection with the investigation of missing child Miya Rudd, 8 months old.

According to a KSP press release, police officers arrested grandmother Billie J. Smith, 49, of Reynolds Station on a warrant stemming from an incident in Daviess County in October 2023.

According to KSP, as officers entered the driveway of the Smiths’ home, they observed Timothy L. Roach, 37, of Owensboro, throwing unprescribed Suboxone under his vehicle. He was also arrested along with Billie J. Smith and taken to the Ohio County Detention Center in Hartford.

Last week, the infant’s mother, 29-year-old Tesla Tucker, was arrested and charged along with 30-year-old Cage Rudd. Both are facing charges of drug possession and abandonment of a minor.

On Friday, KSP announced that 56-year-old Ricky Smith had also been arrested in connection with the investigation on drug and weapons charges, child abuse and organized crime charges.

Additional charges have been brought against Tucker, Rudd and Ricky Smith. All three are accused of, among other things, involvement in organized crime and abandonment of minors.

Authorities have scheduled Tesla Tucker, Cage Rudd and Ricky Smith (Miya Rudd’s grandfather) to appear in Ohio County District Court in Hartford at 9 a.m. CST on Monday.

The Kentucky State Police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on Miya’s whereabouts is asked to call 270.826.3312.