Former school counselor accused of sexual abuse

William “Billy” Hyatt is accused of sexually abusing a child in Fayette and Harrison Counties. ABC 36 has learned Hyatt used to work in Kentucky public schools.

Court documents say the alleged abused happened between 1979 and 1981.

Hyatt faces five counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12; four in Harrison County and one in Fayette County. He also is charged with two counts of sodomy of a child 12 years or younger in Fayette County.

State troopers say their investigation started in Fayette County and lead them to the charges in Harrison County.

So far police only know of one victim.

Hyatt worked as a school counselor in Harrison, Mason and Bracken Public Schools according to each of the school districts.

He also may have been a volunteer with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. The chair of the program says volunteer records don’t go back that far but released this statement:

"Big Brothers Big Sisters has a zero tolerance policy toward abuse or exploitation of any kind. We are angered and deeply saddened to learn of this investigation surrounding an individual who was reportedly affiliated with our organization as a volunteer 34 years ago.

Big Brothers Big Sisters make child safety our first priority. Our volunteers and staff undergo thorough screening and background checks. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bluegrass professional mentoring support staff have ongoing and regular communication with volunteers, mentees and their families and are trained to immediately make law enforcement and child protective services authorities aware of the reports of abuse or exploitation.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a national leader among youth-serving organizations in child protection, with systems developed in consultation with experts from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and the Nonprofit Risk-Management Center. The integrity of our program is extremely important and to achieve the highest quality standards possible, we work to constantly review and strengthen our screening and background check systems.

Our organization remains committed to improving children’s odds for overcoming adversity, succeeding in school, breaking negative cycles and having higher self-esteem and aspirations.

Safety and security of the children we serve are the foundation of the service we provide."

Many of Hyatt’s neighbors say he keeps to himself. One neighbor, who says he used to work with Hyatt in Harrison County Schools, said Hyatt was well-liked by the students and very personable. That neighbor was shocked to hear about the allegations.

State troopers are not saying how Hyatt and the reported victim knew each other. Troopers say if there are any other victims, don’t be afraid to report abuse.