BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County grand jury convened Thursday and issued a slew of indictments against seven individuals. The charges range from first-degree sexual abuse to burglary, assault, terroristic threatening, illegal firearms possession and drug offenses.
Nathan Blackburn, 38, of Warfield, stands accused of sexual abuse in the first degree of a victim under the age of 12.
As per the indictment, Blackburn subjected a minor under the age of 12 to sexual contact July 26, 2022. His bail stands at $10,000.
John D. Perry, 73, of Eastlake, Ohio, stands charged with two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree of a victim under 12 and another count of sexual abuse in the first degree.
The indictment cites incidents where Perry allegedly subjected a minor under the age of 12 to sexual contact March 31, 2013, and once more April 5, 2015. Additionally, the grand jury accuses Perry of subjecting a minor under 16 to sexual abuse April 1, 2018. Perry’s bail is $10,000.
Gwyan Horn, 50, of Inez, faces a charge of terroristic threatening in the second degree.
According to the indictment, on Sept. 13, Horn threatened to cause death or serious physical injury to Shane Stafford, principal of Eden Elementary. His bond is $5,000.
Denver Messer, 38, of Breeden, West Virginia, faces several counts: burglary in the second degree, burglary in the third degree, possession of burglar’s tools, assault in the fourth degree (domestic violence), and terroristic threatening in the third degree.
The indictment alleges that July 15, 2021, Messer entered a dwelling intending to assault a female. It accuses him of committing burglary in the third degree by entering and staying at the Dempsey Housing Complex despite a previous ban.
The grand jury contends that Messer had a claw hammer used for prying, and pry marks were identified on a sliding glass door of a residence.
According to the indictment, Messer assaulted a female, resulting in injury, and subsequently issued threats of murder and/or assault towards her. His bail is $10,000.
Selwyn Glenn Brewer, 55, of Beauty, stands accused of a string of charges: possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (methamphetamine), possession/use of drug paraphernalia, first-offense driving DUI-suspended and resisting arrest.
The indictment alleges Brewer had methamphetamine and an altered glass pipe in his possession July 10. Brewer is said to have been operating a vehicle while his license was suspended for a prior DUI charge. The grand jury states Brewer attempted to resist officers from the Martin County Sheriff’s Department by using or threatening physical force. His bond is $5,000.
Joann Reed, 64, of Beauty, faces several offenses: possession of a controlled substance in the first degree (opiates), prescription controlled substance not in proper container, and alcohol intoxication in a public place.
The indictment states Reed had oxycodone in his possession May 15, and accuses her of having two naloxone strips outside their original container. It also states she was intoxicated in a public place. Her bond is $5,000.
Jonathan Mollett, 35, of Louisa, faces a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment states Mollett had an Ithica brand 12-gauge shotgun in his possession Sept. 27 after a prior felony conviction. His bail amount is $5,000.
(The above represents a list of individuals indicted and their charges. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.)