BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Martin Circuit Judge J. Kevin Holbrook issued indictments Thursday against two individuals for their involvement in methamphetamine possession and related offenses.

Gabriel J. Cooper, a 29-year-old resident of Warfield, is facing a four-count indictment charging him with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, fleeing or evading police on foot, resisting arrest, and possession or use of drug paraphernalia.

According to the indictment, Cooper was apprehended Jan. 5 with methamphetamine and a pipe commonly used for consuming controlled substances. Cooper also allegedly failed to comply with a stop command issued by the Martin County Sheriff’s Department and either used or threatened violence to prevent a peace officer from making an arrest.

Earnest W. New, 50, from Lovely, is also facing charges of first-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession or use of drug paraphernalia.

The indictment details that New was caught Nov. 28, 2023, in possession of methamphetamine and digital scales that bore white residue.

Judge Holbrook ordered both individuals to appear for arraignment March 7.

An indictment is an accusation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.