On May 16, a Kenton County jury convicted Arrin Bush of three counts of 1st Degree Sexual Abuse and one count of Attempted 1st Degree Rape after a three-day trial.
The same jury recommended a 15-year prison sentence.
Bush
The case started on February 19, 2018, when officers from the Covington Police Department were notified of a sexual assault that occurred on Herman Street in Covington. The victim of that sexual assault was a 12-year-old female who arrived at the police department with her mother to make a report.
The case was assigned to Detective Austin Ross of the Covington Police Department for investigation. The juvenile victim was interviewed at the Northern Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Center where she disclosed that Arrin Bush sexually assaulted her on the same day of the police report.
The minor was at Bush’s residence to babysit Bush’s son. Bush originally told the minor’s parents he planned to leave to run errands, but when the minor arrived he never left. Bush remained at the house with the 12-year-old where he ultimately sexually assaulted her. The victim described numerous sexual acts, culminating with an attempt to have forcible sexual intercourse with her.
Ultimately, the juvenile courageously demanded to be taken home. Bush frantically apologized and told the victim not to disclose to anyone. When the victim arrived home, however, she disclosed to her parents what had occurred and the police were immediately notified.
The juvenile victim was treated at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital medical center where she tested positive for the presence of the Chlamydia bacteria.
Subsequent testing allowed the physicians to conclude the Chlamydia bacteria found on the victim was actually Chlamydia bacteria which was present in secretions left behind during the sexual assault.
Officers attempted to locate Bush on February 22, 2018, but were unsuccessful.
They returned to his residence on February 23, 2018, and requested that he come out. Bush refused to exit his residence for approximately an hour.
When he was eventually apprehended, officers conducted a search warrant to determine whether Bush had Chlamydia. Bush tested positive for the same strain of Chlamydia that physicians located on the minor victim.
Bush was indicted by the Kenton County Grand Jury on April 26, 2018, for Criminal Attempt to Commit Rape in the First Degree, and three Counts of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Bush had previously posted bond and was placed on Home Incarceration.
At arraignment, the Commonwealth requested that Bush’s bond be increased but that request was denied. During pendency of the case detectives were notified that Bush was contacting other juvenile females and inviting them to his house.
As a result, the Commonwealth again moved for his bond to be revoked. The Court granted that motion and Bush was reincarcerated while awaiting trial.
The case was called for trial in the First Division of the Kenton Circuit Court on May 14, 2019. The Commonwealth was represented by Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Maria Schletker and Noah Wentz. Prosecutors called the minor victim as the first witness.
The victim recounted all of the details of the sexual assault perpetrated on her by Bush. The Commonwealth’s other witnesses included the victim’s family members, Dr. Kathi Makoroff from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, officers and detectives from the Covington Police Department, medical professionals from St. Elizabeth, and multiple other children Bush contacted while released on bond. Detective Austin Ross also testified to the lengthy investigation that took place.
Bush took the stand on his own behalf and brazenly claimed it was the 12-year-old child who sexually assaulted him after he passed out from taking medication.
Bush’s wife also took the stand in an effort to support her husband’s claim that he was the real victim.
Asst. Commonwealth’s Attorney Maria Schletker cross-examined the wife with a recorded jail phone call from the night prior when Bush discussed his testimony with his wife (in violation of the court’s order separating witnesses) and coached her about what to say. The wife had no explanation for the conversation and even claimed she did not remember making many of the statements heard in the call.
The jury deliberated approximately 30 minutes before finding Bush guilty on all counts. Bush faced 5 to 20 years in prison for the crimes.
The jury then deliberated again before recommending a sentence of 15 years. Bush will be parole eligible after serving 20 percent of the sentence, but not before completing a sex offender treatment program.
Bush will be required to register as a sex offender for life. Formal, final sentencing is set for June 24 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 6B.
Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
