BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — A Martin County grand jury returned several indictments Feb. 5, including felony charges involving child abuse, property damage and bail jumping.
Kevin Michael Litton, 27, of Tomahawk, stands accused of first-degree criminal abuse involving a victim under 12 years of age. The indictment alleges that on April 19, 2024, Litton caused serious physical injury, described as bruising to the head and neck, to a family member under 12. His bail is $10,000.
Christina Chapman, 40, of Beauty, faces charges of first-degree criminal abuse involving a victim under 12 years of age and second-degree manslaughter. The indictment states that on Aug. 13, 2025, Chapman intentionally abused a child under 12 by placing the juvenile in a situation that may have caused serious physical injury and that she wantonly caused the child’s death. Her bail is $100,000.
Patrick Speer, 34, of Warfield, also faces charges of first-degree criminal abuse involving a victim under 12 years of age and second-degree manslaughter. The grand jury alleges that on Aug. 13, 2025, Speer intentionally abused a child under 12 by placing the juvenile in a situation that may have caused serious physical injury and that he wantonly caused the child’s death. His bail is $100,000.
Elijah Bailey, 22, of Covington, faces an indictment charging him with fourth-degree assault. According to the indictment, Bailey intentionally caused physical harm to a female in Warfield on Jan. 21. The district court will determine bail.
Austin Harless, 31, of Debord, stands accused of first-degree criminal mischief. The indictment alleges that on Jan. 8, Harless destroyed, damaged or defaced property owned and operated by Booth Energy on Airport Road in Debord, causing approximately $2,285 in damage. His bail is $5,000.
Roy Kenneth Goble, 50, of Pilgrim, was indicted for first-degree bail jumping. The indictment states that Goble failed to appear for a bond hearing on Jan. 15 after his release from custody on the condition that he return to court. His bail is $5,000.
Editor’s note: An indictment is an accusation. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.