After three-month hiatus, Johnson Grand Jury returns 51 indictments

By TONY FYFFE
BSN Editor

PAINTSVILLE — The Johnson County Grand Jury, which had not met in three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, made up for lost time by returning 51 indictments last Wednesday, June 17.
The panel made its partial report for March, April, May and June, hearing 47 cases and returning 51 indictments and 13 no-true bills. The grand jury held over no cases for the next session, which is July 15.
Named in the indictments were:
• Misty Fields, 46, and James Derek Fields, no age available, both of Sitka, charged with intent to defraud/scheme/artifice to obtain benefits over $10,000 for allegedly making a false statement or misrepresentation, failing to disclose a material fact used in determining her qualification to receive assistance program benefit, or failing to report a change in factors affecting a person’s eligibility for benefits, resulting in an over-payment of $109,176.28 from Jan. 13, 2014, through Jan. 9, 2019.
• Ciarra Davis, 26, of Keaton, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession/use of drug paraphernalia for allegedly possessing methamphetamine, two altered pipe, altered spoons containing chemical residue and digital scales on Feb. 24.
• Bobby Hernandez, 49, of Renwick, Iowa, charged with first-degree trafficking more than two grams of methamphetamine for allegedly possessing 10.749 grams of methamphetamine and $1,571 in cash with the intent to traffic or by trafficking in the methamphetamine on June 24, 2019.
• David M. Tackett, 32, of Whitehouse, charged with first-degree promoting contraband and first-degree possession of a controlled substance for allegedly introducing, obtaining or possessing a controlled substance into the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and possessing methamphetamine on Jan. 24.
• Gary E. Richmond, 36, of Flat Gap, charged with possession or viewing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor for allegedly possessing, controlling and/or viewing mattered that visually depicted a minor engaging in a sexual performance on May 30, 2019.
• Randy Burke, 49, and Jennifer Burke, 39, both of Sitka, charged with first-degree wanton endangerment for allegedly engaging in conduct that created a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to Christopher Kimbler, Tony Kimbler, Logan Kimbler and Lee Doerty non Jan. 6.
• Larry Dalton Bartley, 26, of Paintsville, charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police, receiving stolen property over $10,000 (automobile) and first-degree persistent felony offender for allegedly operating a motor vehicle with the attempt to elude or flee Deputy Chad Penix of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, being in physical control of a 2014 Volkswagon Passat stolen from Ashley Blanton of Paintsville and for having been previously been convicted of a felony.
• Anthony Hall, 32, and Charlotte Ward, 43, both of Tutor Key, charged with second-degree burglary/complicity for allegedly entering and remaining in a house at Tutor Key owned by Jerry and Angie Runyon with the intent to commit a crime on Jan. 28.
Hall is charged in a separate indictment with first-degree persistent felony offender for having previously been convicted of two felonies.
• Danzil Howell, 43, of Prestonsburg, charged with strangulation for allegedly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of the blood, applying pressure to the throat or neck, or by blocking the nose or mouth of Melissa Vanhoose on May 4.
• Jason Owens, 38, of Paintsville, charged with theft by unlawful taking over $500 but under $10,000 and first-degree persistent felony offender for allegedly taking a 2018 82 by 18 pull-behind trailer belonging to Fannin’s Plumbing of Paintsville, with a value of $3,153, on Dec. 26, 2019.
• Melissa Wagoner, 44, of Sitka, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia for allegedly possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia on Nov. 3, 2019.
• Regina D. Cline, 44, of Louisa, charged with first-degree promoting contraband, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia for allegedly introducing, obtaining or possessing a controlled substance into the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, and possessing methamphetamine and a miniature scale on Jan. 15.
• Eric Z. Reynolds, 33, of David, charged with first-degree strangulation and fourth-degree assault for allegedly impeding the normal breathing or circulation of blood of and assaulting Julia L. Vanderpool of Prestonsburg on May 19.
• Chad Deer, 33, of Paintsville, charged with third-offense operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, third-offense driving on a DUI-suspended license and tampering with physical evidence for allegedly operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances while having four prior DUI convictions within 10 years and while his license was suspended, and concealing, destroying or altering physical evidence that he believed would be used against him in an official proceeding on May 26.
• Dustin Patton, 34, of Paintsville, charged with receiving stolen property under $10,000 for allegedly possessing items/instruments with an approximate value of $500 belonging to Paintsville Independent Schools on Jan. 14.
• John E. Baldridge, 44, of Salyersville, charged with third-degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking under $500, second-degree fleeing/evading (on foot) and resisting arrest for allegedly entering and remaining in a outbuilding belonging to Fannin’s Plumbing of Paintsville with the intent to commit theft, taking numerous items of clothing from work trucks belonging to Fannin’s Plumbing, disregarding a police officer’s signs and signals to stop, and attempting to prevent offices with the Paintsville Police Department from arresting him on Feb. 12.
• Genger Blair, 35, and Brian Perkins, 36, both of Salyersville, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance/complicity, third-degree possession of a controlled substance/complicity and possession/use of drig paraphernalia for allegedly, acting alone or in complicity with each other, possessing methamphetamine, suboxone and an altered pop can containing chemical residue on March 4.
Blair is additionally charged with receiving stolen property (firearm) for allegedly possessing a Smith and Wesson .9mm handgun stolen from The Pink Elephant Pawn Shop in Prestonsburg.
Perkins is additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon for allegedly possessing a Smith and Wesson .9 mm handgun while having a previous felony conviction.
• Danny W. Young, 33, of Hager Hill, charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (less than two grams) for allegedly possessing methamphetamine on Jan. 30, 2019.
Young is charged in a separate indictment with first-degree trafficking less than two grams of methamphetamine and first-degree persistent felony offender for allegedly possessing with the intent to traffic in or by trafficking in .052 grams of methamphetamine on Jan. 15, 2019, and for having previously been convicted of two felonies.
• Adam D. Rohr, 30, of Meally, and Cansas Davis, 28, of Tomahawk, charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance for allegedly, acting alone or in complicity with each other, trafficking in methamphetamine on Jan. 14.
• Jonathan Owens, 36, of Boons Camp, charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (less than two grams) for allegedly possessing with the intent to traffic or by trafficking in methamphetamine on March 26, 2019.
• Jason Hale, 39, of Louisa, charged with first-degree promoting contraband, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and first-degree persistent felony offender for allegedly introducing, obtaining or possessing a controlled substance into the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and possessing methamphetamine on Dec. 12, 2019, and for having previously been convicted of two felonies.
• Caleb Z. Rowland, 23, of Flat Gap, charged with theft by unlawful taking over $10,000 but under $1 million and public intoxication for allegedly possessing a Polaris ATV belonging to Brandon Caudill of Hager Hill on Sept. 9, 2019.
• Anthony S. Hall, 32, of Tutor Key, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), third-degree possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest, second-degree fleeing or evading police, possessing marijuana, public intoxication and giving a peace officer false identifying information.
According to the indictment, Hall possessed methamphetamine, gabapentin and marijuana; resisted Deputy Jason Arms in an attempt to stop him from arresting him; disregarded Arms’ signs and signals to stop in an attempt to flee; was in a public place manifestly under the influence of a controlled or other intoxicating substance; and gave Arms a false name on Feb. 1.
• Brandon M. Castle, 35, of Meally, charged with first-degree, first-offense trafficking in a controlled substance, more than two grams of methamphetamine; first-offense operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, reckless driving and disregarding a stop sign for allegedly possessing with the intent to traffic in or by trafficking in more than two grams of methamphetamine, operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances and in a reckless manner and failing to properly bring the vehicle to a stop at a marked sign on March 14.
• Stephanie E. Kelly, 50, of Mount Sterling, charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and public intoxication for allegedly possessing methamphetamine, a pipe and marijuana, and being in a public place manifestly under the influence of a controlled or other intoxicating substance on Dec. 19, 2019.
• Jeffery W. Osborne, 39, of River, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, first-offense failure of owner to maintain required insurance and improper registration plates for allegedly possessing methamphetamine, operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances, failing to procure and/or have proof of valid insurance coverage and not displaying proper registration plates on May 15.
• Shawn M. Easley, 29, of Sitka, charged with first-degree, first-offense trafficking in a controlled substance, more than two grams of methamphetamine; first-offense operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs; operating on a suspended or revoked license; no/expired registration plates; rear license not illuminated; and no/expired registration receipt.
According to the indictment, Easley allegedly possessed with the intent to traffic or by trafficking in more than two grams of methamphetamine; operated a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances and while his license was suspended or revoked; and failed to possess and display the registration plate, have the plate properly illuminated and to produce a valid registration receipt on April 9.
• Matthew S. Goble, 40, of Flat Gap, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) for allegedly possessing the drug on Nov. 11, 2019.
• Michael Van Zandt, 31, of Paintsville, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance for allegedly possessing methamphetamine on Feb. 2.
• Lenzie N. Blanton, 62, of Oil Springs, charged with first-degree wanton endangerment, fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), third-degree terroristic threatening and first-degree criminal mischief for allegedly engaging in conduct that created a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to Daren Estep, assaulted Joyce Estep, threatened to commit assault/murder of Daren Estep and damaged property owned by Daren Estep, with damages exceeding $1,000, on Feb. 25.
• Jennifer Arms, 34, of Red Bush, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first-offense operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, no/expired registration plates and no/expired registration receipt for allegedly possessing hydrocodone, and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances, with improper or expired registration plates and with an improper or expired registration receipt.
• Leonard Blair, 29, of Prestonsburg, charged with theft by unlawful taking over $10,000 but under $1 million and first-degree persistent felony offender for allegedly taking a JAYC travel camper stolen from Jeremy Hyden, with an approximate value of $15,000, on Jan. 4.
• Jesse J. Rivas, 38, of Kingwood, Texas, charged with kidnapping (minor) for allegedly unlawfully restraining another person with the intent to accomplish or advance the commission of rape on April 26.
• Melessa Robinson, 33, of Richmond, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and third-degree possession of a controlled substance for allegedly possessing methamphetamine, alprazolam, pipes, straws and syringes on Jan. 1.
• Tammy S. Johnson, 43, of Dingus, charged with third-degree assault (corrections officer) for allegedly assaulting or attempting to assault Tori O’Conner of the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.
• Heather Ramey, 23, of Pikeville, charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon for allegedly possessing a Bersa .380-caliber handgun on Dec. 31, 2019, while having previously been convicted of a felony.
• Anthony Jones, 38, of Paintsville, charged with first-degree trafficking, more than two grams of methamphetamine, for allegedly possessing 9.6 grams of methamphetamine, $220 in cash and numerous plastic baggies with the intent to traffic or by trafficking in the drug on March 2, 2019.
• Carl Jones, 43, of Paintsville, charged with first-degree assault, second-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana for allegedly causing serious physical injury to Michael Grim by shooting him with a .22-caliber handgun and possessing a schedule III controlled substance and marijuana on March 11.
• Charles Hammond, 42, of Paintsville, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession/use of drug paraphernalia and carrying a concealed deadly weapon for allegedly possessing methamphetamine and a syringe, and carrying a pair of steel/metal knuckles on Feb. 6.
• Rachel Smith, 28, of Paintsville, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance and possession/use of drug paraphernalia for allegedly possessing methamphetamine and an altered glass pipe on Feb. 19.
• Jonathan Endicott, 32, of Auxier, charged with disarming a peace officer, fourth-degree assault (minor injury), theft by unlawful taking (shoplifting), resisting arrest and second-degree disorderly for allegedly removing or depriving a firearm or other deadly weapon from a peace officer, assaulting Walmart employee Juanita Auxier, taking approximately $200 worth of items from Walmart, attempting or preventing a peace officer from arresting him and engaging in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior in a public place on May 6.
• Remona Mills, 48, of Paintsville, charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, theft by unlawful taking under $500 (shoplifting), resisting arrest and second-degree disorderly conduct for allegedly possessing methamphetamine, taking various items from Dollar General of Paintsville valued at less than $500, attempting or preventing a peace officer from arresting her and engaging in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior in a public place on Oct. 21, 2019.
• Kathleen Howard, 40, of Salyersville, charged with first-degree promoting contraband and first-degree possession of a controlled substance for allegedly introducing, obtaining or possessing a controlled substance into the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and possessing methamphetamine on Feb. 20.
• Adam Vanhoose, 32, of Staffordsville, charged with receiving stolen property under $10,000 (auto) for allegedly possessing rims and tires stolen from Auto Brokers of Paintsville, with a value of $2,840, on March 31.
(Editor’s note: An indictment is not an indication of guilt but a determination by a grand jury that criminal charges warrant further judicial review.)