Martin County grand jury returns 19 indictments

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A Martin County grand jury returned 19 indictments against 14 individuals Aug. 1. Charges range from wanton endangerment and terroristic threatening to assault, firearms and drugs.

William Preece, 58, of Inez, faces multiple charges, including first-degree wanton endangerment, trafficking in marijuana, first-offense DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving and third-degree terroristic threatening.

The indictment alleges that on May 10, Preece had 9.409 ounces of marijuana and $1,006 in cash with intent to traffic, engaged in conduct that endangered Scottie Thompson, drove under the influence, and possessed drug paraphernalia. It also accuses him of driving recklessly and threatening to commit a crime likely to result in death or serious injury. His bail is $5,000.

Michael Baisden, 60, of Beauty, stands accused of first-degree wanton endangerment and third-degree terroristic threatening. The indictment alleges that Baisden’s actions May 31 created a substantial danger to James Gilman of Beauty. It also states he threatened to commit a crime likely to result in death or serious injury. His bail is $5,000.

Eric Bowens, 46, of Tomahawk, faces multiple charges, including third-degree assault (EMS/fire), first-offense DUI, second-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), resisting arrest, and possession of an open alcohol container in a vehicle.

The indictment alleges that on June 20, Bowens attempted to cause physical injury to emergency medical service personnel Thomas Flanery while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The grand jury accuses him of fleeing from Deputy Justin Bellamy, resisting arrest, threatening to use physical force against Bellaham, and having an open bottle of Everclear in his vehicle. His bail is $5,000.

Jason Mollett, 43, of Tomahawk, faces charges of first-degree criminal mischief and first-degree persistent felony offender. The indictment accuses Mollett of destroying 149 feet and 9 inches of AT&T telephone and fiber optic cable valued at over $1,000 on May 5. It also states that Mollett was convicted of two or more felonies within the past five years. Bail is $5,000.

Cody Spears, 28, of Lovely, stands accused of charges of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing marijuana. The indictment alleges that Spears had a JP Enterprise Inc. 12-gauge shotgun and magazine, along with 10.30 grams of marijuana, during his arrest May 22. Spears has three prior felony convictions in Martin County. His bail is $5,000.

Robert Drenning, 48, of Beauty, faces charges of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The indictment states that Drenning had a Winchester 12-gauge shotgun, methamphetamine, syringes, scales, and an altered glass pipe during his arrest May 11. Drenning has four prior felony convictions in Martin County. His bail is $5,000.

Jeffrey Looney, 31, of Louisa, faces charges of first-degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), third-degree escape, resisting arrest, third-degree terroristic threatening and public intoxication.

The indictment alleges that on June 25, Looney ignored commands from Martin County Sheriff’s deputies, escaped custody after being arrested, and threatened to use physical force to prevent his arrest. It also accuses him of being intoxicated to the point of endangering himself or others. His bail was set at $5,000.

Jonathan Mollett, 36, of Louisa, was indicted in three separate true bills on charges of first-degree bail jumping. According to the indictments, Mollett failed to appear for a final report hearing July 18 in connection with three felony cases (24-CR-0004, 23-CR-00086 and 23-CR-00094). His bail is $5,000 for each indictment.

Paul Brewer, 40, of Kermit, West Virginia, was indicted in two separate true bills on charges of first-degree bail jumping. The indictments allege that Brewer failed to appear for sentencing hearings June 6 in connection with two separate felony cases (24-CR-00026 and 20-CR-00060). His bail is $5,000 for each indictment.

Joseph C. Jude, 43, of Lovely, was indicted in two separate true bills on charges of first-degree bail jumping. The indictments state that Jude failed to appear for change of plea hearings March 7 after being released on the condition that he would appear in court for two separate felony cases (24-CR-00011 and 24-CR-00012). His bail is $5,000 for each indictment.

Brianna Ellis, 20, of Tomahawk, was indicted in two separate true bills on charges of first-degree bail jumping. The indictments allege that Ellis failed to appear for pretrial conferences Feb. 15 after being released on the condition that she would appear in court for two separate felony cases (23-CR-00060 and 23-CR-00057). Her bail is $5,000 for each indictment.

Martin Gillespie, 50, of Lovely, faces a charge of first-degree bail jumping. The indictment alleges that Gillespie failed to appear for a pretrial conference May 2 after being released on the condition that he would appear in court in connection with a felony charge. His bail is $5,000.

Brenton Johnson, 31, of Inez, stands accused of first-degree bail jumping. The indictment alleges that Johnson failed to appear for a pretrial conference May 2 after being released on the condition that he would appear in court for a felony charge (24-CR-00002). His bail is $5,000.

Kenis Casey Bishop, 44, of Beauty, was charged by information with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with physical evidence. The information alleges that on June 8, Bishop had methamphetamine and a narcotics pipe with burn residue and that he attempted to conceal evidence. His court date is Aug. 15.


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