Arraignment set for former Jasper teacher's aide on sex charge

A 9:05 a.m. Wednesday, April 30, arraignment has been scheduled for former Jasper High School teacher's aide Janice Lorene Rusk, 43, Carthage, on charges of statutory sodomy and statutory rape.

Ms. Rusk posted $5,000 bond, according to Jasper County Circuit Court online records. She is being represented by attorney Erica Mynarich of the Carver, Cantin & Grantham firm from Springfield.

According to the probable cause statement, Ms. Rusk had sex with a 16-year-old high school boy. The statement indicated that the Jasper County Sheriff's Department was told she had sex with other high school boys. Ms. Rusk was an aide in the special education department, but no longer works for the R-5 School District.