BY ANNIE HOLLER
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PAINTSVILLE — The Johnson County grand jury returned indictments against 11 individuals April 17 on charges ranging from assault and drug trafficking to theft and weapons offenses.
James Blevins, 33, of Paintsville, was indicted on one felony count of theft by unlawful taking over $1,000 (shoplifting).
According to the indictment, Blevins stole about $2,558.26 in merchandise from Lowe’s of Paintsville on March 15, including two circular saws, a Bluetooth charger, a Bluetooth radio, two mechanic’s sets, a rotary tool kit, a cordless oscillating tool kit, a power bank, a torch kit, a creator tool, a 12-volt battery, a Bluetooth speaker, three sets of wireless earbuds and two Gatorade drinks. Bail was set at $5,000.
David Allen Bowling, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, was indicted on charges of first-degree assault and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, first offense within 10 years, with aggravating circumstances.
The grand jury alleges Bowling caused serious physical injury to a female Feb. 14 in Thelma by means of a dangerous instrument and that he operated a vehicle while under the influence, causing a crash that resulted in serious physical injury to another person. The indictment states his blood alcohol concentration was 0.15 within two hours of the accident. Bail was set at $20,000.
Clinton Castle, 44, of Paintsville, was indicted on charges of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, greater than 2 grams of methamphetamine, and persistent felony offender in the second degree.
According to the indictment, Castle was caught May 10, 2024, with 7.81 grams of methamphetamine with the intent of trafficking the meth. The indictment further alleges he had previously been convicted of a felony and sentenced to one year or more within five years of the current offense. Bail was set at $10,000.
Jonathan Fitch, 39, of Staffordsville, was indicted on felony charges of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and theft by failure to make required disposition of property over $1,000.
The grand jury alleges Fitch, with intent to defraud, deceive or injure Paul and Amanda Baker of Staffordsville, possessed or uttered forged warranty documentation Feb. 6. The indictment also alleges Fitch obtained $600 under an agreement to make a specified payment or disposition of property, treated $4,406.77 belonging to the Bakers as his own and failed to make the required payment or disposition. Bail was set at $5,000.
Joshua Fitzpatrick, 47, of Paintsville, was indicted on one count of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine)-complicity. According to the indictment, Fitzpatrick was caught March 26 in possession of methamphetamine while acting alone or in complicity with Suzanne Sewell. Bail was set at $5,000.
Suzanne Sewell, 51, of Paintsville, was indicted on one count of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine)-complicity. According to the indictment, Sewell was caught March 26 in possession of methamphetamine while acting alone or in complicity with Joshua Fitzpatrick. Bail was set at $5,000.
Phillip Cody Parsons, 30, of Staffordsville, was indicted on two counts of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and one count of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).
The grand jury alleges Parsons possessed a Ruger .357-caliber handgun and a SCCY Industries 9mm handgun Jan. 26 after a prior felony conviction in 2024. The indictment also accuses him of possessing methamphetamine. Bail was set at $10,000.
Scottie Risner, 35, of Paintsville, was indicted on one count of first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). According to the indictment, Risner was caught Jan. 10 in possession of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $5,000.
Eric Tackett, 40, of Flat Gap, was indicted on one charge of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, greater than 2 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges Tackett was caught Sept. 17, 2025, with 3.004 grams of methamphetamine. Bail was set at $10,000.
Michael T. Walters, 40, of Offutt, was indicted on one count of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, greater than 2 grams of methamphetamine. According to the indictment, Walters was caught Aug. 6, 2025, with about 3.44 grams of methamphetamine with the intent of trafficking the meth. Bail was set at $10,000.
Devin Wells, 19, of Paintsville, was indicted on charges of third-degree assault of a police officer, third-degree fleeing or evading police on foot, second-degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, menacing and alcohol intoxication in a public place.
The grand jury alleges Wells caused or attempted to cause physical injury to Paintsville Police Officer Justin Jackson on Feb. 15, disregarded commands to stop, engaged in violent or threatening behavior in a public place, resisted arrest by using or threatening physical force, placed others in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury and appeared in public while intoxicated to a degree that he endangered himself, others or property, or unreasonably annoyed people nearby. Bail was set at $5,000.
An indictment is an accusation, not a conviction. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.