BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County grand jury’s December session told two different stories at once. One case centers on alleged drug-related charges, while six others are not new offenses, but failure to appear when the court required it.
James Howell, 35, of Beauty, stands accused of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), second-degree possession of a controlled substance (Suboxone) and public intoxication (excluding alcohol). According to the indictment, police caught Howell in possession of methamphetamine and 10½ dosage units of buprenorphine March 4. He was allegedly under the influence of a controlled substance to a degree that endangered himself or others or unreasonably annoyed people in his vicinity. His bail is $5,000.
Melissa Dawn Seay, 41, of Delbarton, West Virginia, faces charges in two separate true bills for first-degree bail jumping. The grand jury alleges Seay failed to appear for a change-of-plea hearing Oct. 16 after her release from custody on the condition that she appear. In a second indictment, Seay faces a charge of failing to appear for another change-of-plea hearing Nov. 6 under the same conditions. Her bail is $5,000 in each case.
Lonnie Robinson, 45, of Tomahawk, is facing first-degree bail jumping after allegedly failing to appear for a preliminary hearing Nov. 4 following his release from custody. His bail is $5,000.
Rush Fraley, 49, of Tomahawk, is facing first-degree bail jumping. The indictment states that Fraley failed to appear for a final report hearing Nov. 6 after his release on the condition that he appear. His bail is $5,000.
Jeffrey W. Pinson, 32, of Inez, faces first-degree bail jumping after allegedly failing to appear for an arraignment hearing Nov. 6 following his release from custody. His bail is $5,000.
Donald Delong Jr., 46, of Debord, stands accused of first-degree bail jumping. The indictment states Delong failed to appear for a preliminary hearing Nov. 18 after his release from custody under the condition that he appear. His bail is $5,000.
Editor’s note: A grand jury indictment is an accusation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.