BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — A Martin County grand jury handed up indictments Thursday against six individuals.
Criminal charges range from assault to bail jumping.
Joe Allen Evans, 51, of Inez, was indicted on charges of second-degree assault (domestic violence) and first-degree persistent felony offender enhancement. Prosecutors allege that on Nov. 25, 2024, Evans assaulted Vicky Venturino of Inez with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument causing physical injury. The indictment asserts that Evans qualifies as a persistent felony offender, having two or more prior felony convictions with sentences served within the last five years. His bail is $10,000.
Ernest Jarvis, 51, of Inez, faces charges of second-degree burglary, second-degree criminal mischief, resisting arrest and menacing. According to the indictment, Jarvis entered the home of Rachale Fletcher on Happy Hollow Road on Dec. 26, 2024, intending to commit theft and causing more than $500 in property damage. He later threatened to use physical force against Martin County Chief Deputy Sheriff Chris Kidd. The indictment further states that he placed others in reasonable fear of imminent physical injury. His bail is $10,000.
Brian D. Lowe, 55, of Pilgrim, faces multiple charges, including second-degree fleeing or evading police, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, disregarding a stop sign, careless driving and failure to maintain required insurance. The indictment alleges that on Dec. 12, 2024, Lowe fled from Constable Brad Preece, ignoring flashing lights and running stop signs and traffic signals in an attempt to evade arrest. Prosecutors say he drove recklessly, endangering pedestrians and other vehicles, while operating a vehicle without insurance. His bail is $5,000.
Brittany Gilmore, 35, of Inez, stands accused of first-degree bail jumping for allegedly skipping a change of plea hearing Dec. 5, 2024, after her release from custody on the condition that she would appear. Her bail is $5,000.
Harlan Jude, 53, of Pilgrim, also faces a charge of first-degree bail jumping. Prosecutors say Jude ghosted a change of plea hearing Dec. 5, 2024, after his release from custody on similar conditions. His bail is $5,000.
Timothy Stacy, 53, of Kermit, West Virginia, is facing a charge of first-degree bail jumping. According to the indictment, Stacy did not appear for an arraignment hearing Jan. 16 after his release from custody on the condition that he would return to court. His bail is $5,000.
Editor’s note: Indictments are accusations. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.