# Child abuse investigations in Kentucky

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/child-abuse-investigations-in-kentucky
> Updated: 2026-09-27T23:28:36.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In Evarts, Kentucky, three residents were arrested following allegations of criminal child abuse involving a child aged 12 or younger. Dakota Whittaker, 21, and Jacqenlin Rueschau, 20, face felony charges of criminal abuse and endangering the welfare of a minor. Additionally, Rev. Johna Farley, 63, was arrested and charged with failure to report child neglect or abuse. The investigation remains ongoing.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Evarts residents arrested on child abuse allegations

Three Evarts, Kentucky, residents, including two facing felony child abuse charges, have been arrested following allegations of criminal abuse and neglect of a child aged 12 or younger.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/evarts-residents-arrested-on-child-abuse-allegations

### 2026-09-20: Kentucky babysitter arrested in fatal abuse of 11-month-old

A 19-year-old babysitter, Elijah Mayes, was arrested in Kentucky for the fatal abuse of 11-month-old Grayson Walton after the child's body was found hidden in a couch.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kentucky-babysitter-arrested-in-fatal-abuse-of-11-month-old

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Cite as: Child abuse investigations in Kentucky. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/child-abuse-investigations-in-kentucky