RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News) - A former Rutherford County school bus driver facing 41 felony charges in a child sexual abuse case is scheduled to return to court Thursday morning (08/18/26), as prosecutors and the defense continue working toward either a possible plea agreement or a trial.
Troy Harden, 38, of Smyrna, is scheduled to appear in Rutherford County Circuit Court on Thursday, Aug. 20. The hearing follows a continuance granted by Judge James Turner on June 5, 2026. See picture of Harden above and larger image below article.
According to a confidential source familiar with the case, the State is reportedly seeking a 30-year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction, with Harden serving the full 30 years behind bars. Harden, meanwhile, is reportedly seeking a sentence of 15 years or less.
The same unnamed source believes a plea agreement had not been reached during earlier negotiations. However, additional discussions this week between Harden’s attorney and prosecutors could have changed the outcome of those previous talks. Because plea negotiations generally take place outside open court, WGNS has not independently confirmed the specific terms being discussed.
Court records show Harden faces a 41-count felony indictment stemming from an investigation conducted by the Smyrna Police Department. The case was presented to a Rutherford County Grand Jury, which returned a sealed indictment on May 6, 2025.
The indictment includes 21 counts of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child, five counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, 10 counts of statutory rape by an authority figure, two counts of rape of a child and two counts of aggravated sexual battery.
Harden was reportedly confronted about the alleged abuse by a family member before law enforcement became involved. According to information previously provided to WGNS, the confrontation involved a firearm, and the family member later reported Harden to police. The subsequent investigation ultimately led to the grand jury indictment.
Thursday's proceeding is expected to serve as a status hearing, allowing prosecutors, the defense and the judge to review where the case stands. If both sides have reached a plea agreement, the case could potentially move toward resolution. If no agreement has been reached, the court could instead address trial scheduling and other pretrial matters.
The investigation was led by Smyrna Police Detective Marcy Gossett. Assistant District Attorney Sharon Reddick is prosecuting the case for the State of Tennessee, while Rutherford County Public Defender Russell "Rusty" Perkins represents Harden.
Prior to his arrest, Harden worked as a school bus driver through a third-party contractor that provided transportation services for Rutherford County Schools.
James Evans, chief communications officer for Rutherford County Schools, previously confirmed Harden's connection to the district, telling WGNS, "Troy Harden was a driver for one of our contractors last school year." Evans added, "He has not driven any of our buses since that time."
School officials previously said Harden was removed from his route after the allegations became known and that parents of students who rode his bus were notified. According to information released by the district, none of the victims identified in the criminal case were students assigned to Harden's bus route.
To date, authorities have not publicly announced whether investigators believe there are additional victims connected to the case.
Harden has remained in custody since his arrest on March 13, 2025, and is being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center while the criminal case remains pending.
More details are expected following Thursday's status hearing, which could provide the clearest indication yet of whether the case is moving toward a negotiated plea or heading toward trial. WGNS will continue to follow this story and provide updates as additional information becomes available.
Harden is accused of the offenses but has not been convicted. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Photo of Harden BELOW.
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