Grandmother of missing Ohio County baby arrested

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

Troopers say they went to the home of Billie Smith during their search for missing 8-month-old Miya Rudd.

While at the home, troopers said they discovered Smith had an unrelated warrant from an incident in Daviess County in 2023. She was taken into custody and is being held on a $25,000 cash bond.

As troopers were entering the driveway to the Smith residence, troopers say they saw Timothy L. Roach of Owensboro throw unprescribed Suboxone under his vehicle. He was also arrested.

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

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

The missing child investigation was opened Thursday after a search and welfare check concerning Miya Rudd (Tucker).  Troopers say she was last suspected to be in the care of her parents, however, she could not be found.

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

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