Trigg County Circuit Judge C.A. “Woody” Woodall heard the testimony of a minor on Wednesday, during a pre-trial involving a long-running, multiple-charge sexual abuse case against Gene Bush.
Bush was arrested by the Cadiz Police Department on May 7, after allegedly violating bond release and closing within 500 feet of the said minor at the Cadiz Restaurant — picking up an order for a meal.
Called by special prosecutor Alex Garcia, the victim/witness and an employee of Cadiz Restaurant noted Bush made “direct eye contact” and smiled on three separate occasions while on premises and within proximity.
Bush muttered “it’s a lie” twice under his breath during this testimony.
In cross-examination, public defender Mary Rohrer asked if the victim saw Mr. Bush pick up his food, to which they responded “no” because they had “left the restaurant.”
Under his own testimony to Woodall and the court through questioning from Rohrer, Bush claimed he “didn’t remember” seeing the victim at the restaurant, and added the victim lied about him “smiling.” He also added he didn’t know his accuser worked at Cadiz Restaurant.
Since being incarcerated for the last 60 days, Bush has had to go to the hospital for a nasty fall that cut his head open, and he believes he broke a rib. Declining health is one reason Rohrer is seeking bond release.
Garcia countered that Bush lives across the street from this victim, created an uncomfortable exchange on May 6 at the Cadiz Restaurant, and that being out on bond “was a privilege” he simply violated.
Following those closing arguments, Woodall agreed that Garcia and Rohrer made convincing points. But he opted to revoke Bush’s bond, and remanded him to custody until September 8 where another pre-trial is set for 1:15 p.m.
Bush’s jury trial is scheduled to begin on Dec. 16. Following an investigation that spanned from 2011-16, Bush was charged by Kentucky State Police, in which KSP detectives discovered sexual contact with four separate minors, and on another occasion exposed himself to one of the accusers.
Minors names will not be released until Bush’s trial goes to jury.
