Parents protest settlement in Nelson County bus crash case

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (WAVE) – In March, a police chase in Nelson County nearly ended in disaster when a man drove a stolen truck into a school bus full of children.

No one was injured, but now the Nelson County Sheriff and some families want to know why prosecutors are seeking a settlement.

The driver of the stolen truck, 29-year-old Ricardo Gray, faces various felony counts and more than 30 counts of wanton endangerment.

A plea deal would see him serve 10 years in prison for crimes he committed in Jefferson County, and he would then spend just one year behind bars in Nelson County.

“He stole a car while running away from the police. He hit a bus full of 38 students, almost hit two of my kids, and they give them a year? I don’t see that it’s justified,” said Robert Richards, a father of three on the bus.

Richards, who witnessed the crash, believes Gray should serve more time in Nelson County.

Commonwealth's Attorney Terry Geoghegan told the court that the agreement was designed to shorten the amount of time Gray would be eligible for parole.

In September, the Nelson County sheriff sent a letter to parents also complaining about the plea deal.

On Thursday, the judge delayed the decision.

A new state law is causing confusion over how it affects sentencing for defendants who flee police.

Gray's sentencing was postponed until November 13th.

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