BY ANNIE HOLLER
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

LOUISA — The Lawrence County grand jury returned six indictments during its February session, charging defendants in cases that range from the alleged theft of nearly $27,000 in fiber-optic cable to drug trafficking, assault on law enforcement officers and fleeing police.

Carl Butcher, 55, of Louisa, stands indicted on charges of theft by unlawful taking over $10,000 and failure to register transfer of a motor vehicle. The charges stem from Butcher’s July 3, 2025, arrest for allegedly stealing $26,880.05 in fiber-optic cable from Foothills Communication. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was also operating a vehicle he had failed to register in his name after purchasing it from another.

Elizabeth Campbell, 36, of Huntington, West Virginia, was indicted on charges of fleeing/evading police, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and no registration plates. According to the indictment, Campbell was arrested Dec. 13, 2025, while operating an improperly registered 2019 Chevrolet Suburban owned by Frances Sines of Charleston, West Virginia, without her consent. Campbell allegedly attempted to flee apprehension by Lawrence County Deputy Tyler Laney and Boyd County Deputy Spencer Beam.

Larry Dixon, 59, of Louisa, was indicted on numerous charges that include possession of a controlled substance (fentanyl), possession of a controlled substance first degree (cocaine), possession of a controlled substance first degree (methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance (heroin), failure of non-owner to maintain required insurance, improper registration plates, improper display of registration plate and failure to give proper signal. The charges stem from the defendant’s arrest Nov. 15, 2025.

Mike Griffith, 66, of Blaine, has been indicted on one count each of assault third degree (police officer), criminal mischief second degree, criminal trespass second degree, and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) violations. Griffith was taken into custody Feb. 7 after operating his ATV in a careless manner on William Wellman’s private property, causing damage. The incident was recorded on the property owner’s video camera and offered as evidence. The indictment also states that while being questioned by Lawrence County Deputy Joe Osborne, Griffith brandished a fake weapon and became physically aggressive.

Jeffrey Hampton, 58, of Hager Hill, has been indicted on multiple charges stemming from his arrest Jan. 29 that include trafficking in a controlled substance first degree (47 dosage units of methadone packaged in plastic baggies) along with $8,700 in cash with the intent of trafficking, possession/use of drug paraphernalia, speeding 20 mph over limit, failure of owner to maintain required insurance, and prescription controlled substance (methadone) not in proper container.

Callie West, 46, of Blaine, was indicted on charges of assault third degree (police officer) and hindering apprehension second degree. According to the indictment, West assaulted Deputy Joe Osborne Jan. 8 and hindered the apprehension of a suspect when she attempted to prevent the officer from questioning Christopher Sons, whom the officer was looking for and who was inside her residence.

Editor’s note: An indictment is an accusation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.