BY SADIE SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — A Martin County man is facing a prison sentence after pleading guilty May 7 to assault, attempted intimidation of a witness and drug charges.

Joe Allen Evans, 52, of Inez, pleaded guilty in Martin Circuit Court to second-degree assault – domestic violence, attempted intimidating a participant in a legal process, possession of cocaine and possession of marijuana.

The assault charge stems from a Nov. 25, 2024, incident in which authorities said Evans assaulted a female with a deadly or dangerous weapon, causing physical injury. A Martin County grand jury indicted him on the charge in February 2025.

Just weeks after his indictment, investigators accused Evans of trying to stop the case from moving forward. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Evans threatened to kill the woman and her children by burning them “alive” if she refused to drop the charges and testify against him.

Authorities arrested Evans March 3, 2025, and prosecutors later amended the charge to attempted intimidating a participant in a legal process.

In a separate case, Evans admitted possessing 49.9 grams of cocaine and marijuana during a Feb. 26, 2024, arrest.

Martin Circuit Judge J. Kevin Holbrook recommended sentences of five years for the assault charge, three years for cocaine possession, 12 months for attempted intimidation and 45 days for marijuana possession.

Because the sentences will run concurrently, Evans faces a total recommended sentence of five years.

Judge Holbrook scheduled formal sentencing for June 18 at 10 a.m.