Man accused of child abuse released on bail

(LEX 18) — Casey Caudill was released on bail Wednesday after being charged with child molestation after being arrested by the Madison County Sheriff's Office last April.

The incident was captured on a surveillance camera. Richmond police say the video shows Caudill grabbing and squeezing a child's arm while the two were sitting on the ground together. The child was left with a handprint and a bruise.

“We know what it would be like to be in the shoes of a parent or guardian, so we communicate with them the way we would like to be addressed,” said Karen Atkins.

Atkins works for the Kentucky River Foothills Council, the company that oversees the Eastern Scholar Child Development Center, the location where the incident was reported.

She says when teachers at Eastern Scholar House noticed the bruises, they reported them immediately.

“We are complying with all safety measures at the centre and have done everything appropriate so far,” she added.

While the investigation is still ongoing, the Richmond Police Chief said the daycare did the right thing and that its transparency helped move the case forward.

“The child's caregivers know that the person held responsible will ultimately be held accountable,” said Police Chief Rodney Richardson.

When asked if Caudill had anything to say, his lawyers declined to comment. His hearing is scheduled for next week.