School bus driver charged in fatal crash

BARDWELL, Ky. - A bus driver was indicted on manslaughter and other charges stemming from a crash that killed a 6-year-old boy.

The Carlisle County grand jury handed down the indictment Thursday against 58-year-old Anita Roach of Arlington. She also faces charges of assault, wanton endangerment and illegally obtaining a controlled substance, according to The Paducah Sun.

Roach was returning students who had gone on a field trip to Carlisle County Elementary on May 16 when the bus ran off U.S. 62 and overturned.

Prosecutor Mike Stacy provided few details other than what was included in the indictment.

"The state police and I looked at all the circumstances involving the crash and the events leading up to it and felt that an indictment was warranted in this case," he said.

Roach's attorney, David Bundrick, said his client denies the charges.

"We believe this was a tragic accident, but not a crime," he said.

At the time of the accident, Roach said there was a deer near the road and she was trying to steer to miss it when she lost control of the vehicle. However, other adults in the bus told police they did not see a deer.

Kentucky State Police spokesman Dean Patterson said the case is still under investigation.