Two more people are facing charges in the ongoing investigation into abuse at an unlicensed Ohio County boarding school for boys.
Kentucky State Police on Tuesday arrested 51-year-old Christina Vanderkooi, of Dundee, after she was indicted by an Ohio County Grand Jury for first-degree criminal abuse of a child (victim under the age of 12) and intimidating a participant in the legal process.
On Wednesday, state police arrested 31-year-old Joshua P. Vanderkooi, of Hebron, Indiana, following his indictment for first-degree criminal abuse of a child (victim under the age of 12).
They were both lodged in the Ohio County Detention Center on $10,000 cash bonds. Neither suspect is currently listed as an inmate.
Troopers arrested the founder of the boarding school, 53-year-old Kelly R. Vanderkooi as well as 29-year-old Johnathan V. Vanderkooi and 28-year-old Amanda Vanderkooi, all of Dundee.
Kelly Vanderkooi was initially charged with 21 counts of first-degree criminal abuse (child 12 or under) and 10 counts of fourth-degree assault (child abuse); Johnathan Vanderkooi was charged with eight counts of first-degree criminal abuse (child 12 or under) and three counts of fourth-degree assault (child abuse); and Amanda Vanderkooi was charged with first-degree sexual abuse.
In February 2024, Kelly Vanderkooi was arraigned on new charges, including three assault counts and intimidating and retaliating against a participant in a legal process, according to WFIE.com.
The state police investigation into activities at the school began in October 2022 after an inquiry by the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS). KSP’s findings were presented to an Ohio County Grand Jury which returned indictments on 43 charges.
The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports the school was previously investigated by state police and DCBS in 2011, 2012 and 2020 but no charges were filed.
The school was originally located in Laurel County before moving to Ohio County in the mid-2000s.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
